The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and the Department of Youth and Sports announce The SelfStarters Programme Application Fair.

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 29 and 30, 2008 from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm at the Kendal G. I. Isaacs Gymnasium.

What is the SelfStarters Programme?

The SelfStarters Programme is a Government funded grant-based programme to empower young persons, 18-30 years, seeking to establish or expand small businesses. It will provide aspiring entrepreneurs funding from $1,000 to $5,000 to acquire tools and supplies for their businesses.

The focus of the SelfStarters Programme will be the creation and expansion of small businesses and the development of an attitude of enterprise among Bahamian youth. For young people, working for one's self yields tremendous benefits for the individual and the community, thus promoting further socio-economic development of youth within The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The programme's objectives are: - To promote self-employment and the spirit of entrepreneurship - To reduce unemployment - To encourage wealth creation - To expand the number of Bahamian owned businesses - To promote small business enterprise - To equip Bahamian youth, 18-30 years, with the ability to aid in the economic development of The Bahamas - To facilitate training in interpersonal development , business skills, management and marketing techniques and procedures - To encourage the further development of Bahamian businesses and products

In an effort to ensure the success of the Programme, The Ministry will seek to identify business persons within the community to serve as mentors. The role of the mentors will be to encourage and develop management skills within the young entrepreneurs. Additionally, ongoing business related seminars and workshops will be offered.

Ministry officials will also carry out follow-up site visits to conduct interviews, administer surveys and to monitor the success of the businesses.

The programme will be managed by the Department of Youth & Sports, with an independent Selection Committee responsible for the selection process. Funds will be paid directly to the supplier.