Meeting to throw spotlight on west end entrepreneurs

FRIDAY, FEB. 10: West end residents will next week get the chance to put forward business ideas to boost the Somerset area.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Patrice Minors told the House of Assembly that a new development zone in the west of the island would mean financial support for eligible property and business.

Ms Minors said: “Our goal is to help small business and necessity entrepreneurs to ‘turn their passion into profit’.

“We will work to identify the self-employed and micro entrepreneurs as a distinct group and encourage their passion to succeed.”

Ms Minors said that the west end event to publicize the work of the Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) involved a link-up with Somerset Parish Council.

Ms Minors said: “In many cases, entrepreneurs don’t need a lot of capital to get started and we are committed to working with them and seeking innovative ways to support them.”

Area residents will also be able to register with the Department of Labour & Training.

She added: “I plan to personally participate in the Somerset public meeting next week as we endeavour to breathe new economic life into the area and give hope to people who may be seeking employment.”

The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16. Further details have yet to be announced.