MICRO-, SMALL, MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISE (MSME) DAY CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
Thursday, June 27, 2024
by Ministry of Commerce
THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, MANUFACTURING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, COOPERATIVES AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS WILL THIS THURSDAY 27TH, JUNE 2024 JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD IN COMMEMORATING MSME DAY.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated June 27th as Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) Day to raise public awareness of their tremendous contributions to sustainable development. MSME Day provides an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on how key stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions and the business community can support MSMEs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as poverty eradication and decent work for all. As the sector closest to local communities, MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs, empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

 

The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs will this Thursday 27th, June 2024 join the rest of the world in commemorating MSME Day. This recognition underscores that the MSME sector is at the heart of our societies and has significant potential to unlock critical pathways to the progress and development of our local economy. The Ministry of Commerce is committed to offering a holistic approach to the development of the MSME sector in Saint Lucia, with the core mission being to help businesses become globally competitive by providing personalized consulting, training, financing and market research solutions that create real economic impact. Through its network of partners, the Ministry serves as a catalyst in improving service delivery to our existing and future entrepreneurs.

 

To maximize the impact and reach of MSME Day, the Ministry has organized several events, including:

 

  1. A pre-recorded speech by Honourable Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs;

 

  1. Brief remarks by Mrs. Sophia M. Alfay-Henry, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs;

 

  1. A video production advertisement featuring local MSMEs from various sectors to be aired on all major platforms: television, radio and social media;

 

  1. Site visits to two (2) agro-processing plants (Rainforest Foods and Jacq-Co Valley Products) by schools in Fond St. Jacques/Soufriere;

 

  1. Partnering with the Love Saint Lucia campaign to offer free bus rides on branded/wrapped “Love Saint Lucia” buses on Thursday 27th June, 2024. Select buses are as follows: Route 5 F (Castries – Morne Fortune) M1182; Route 2H (Castries-Vieux Fort) M425; and Route 1A (Castries-Gros Islet) M194.

 

Through these activities, the Ministry of Commerce aims to sensitize, market, and promote our business community and the key contributions they make to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country, their ability to generate employment, foster innovation and creativity.

 

For further information on this activity please contact Mr. Alvinaus Simon, Business Development Officer, Small Business Development Centre at 468-4249 or 286-5029 or Mr. Jonathan Allain, Director, Small Business Development Centre at 468-4220 or 285-3761.