DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the significant role micro-enterprises play in the economic growth of a country.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Patrick Todd, gave this advice today at the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) Sno-Cone Experience Project, under which five sno-cone vendors recently underwent customer service training.
Todd said he was pleased that NISE had taken the time to focus on this subset of the small business sector, especially since entrepreneurship must be seen as a viable career path and part of Barbados’ culture.
“I salute you, the entrepreneurs, who have taken the bull by the horns, as it were, with determination to play your part in the economic development of our society,” he told the businessmen.
Urging them not to take entrepreneurship for granted, he continued: “Your fantastic product, coupled with a positive attitude will go a long way in ensuring that your businesses grow from strength to strength… Don’t ever forget – a smile and a few kind words will go a long way.”
The senator commended the vendors for participating in the programme, saying that the sessions were productive and the response was tremendous. He called on them to share their experiences with their colleagues.
Chief executive officer of NISE, Kim Tudor, appealed to other sno-cone vendors to participate in the programme, saying it would greatly assist them. She added that the vendors were being encouraged to form an association to assist with their further development.
The aim of the project is to enhance the physical appearance of the sno-cone carts and strengthen the customer service and communication skills of the vendors. In addition to the training, the sno-cone carts have been painted and the vendors have received branded umbrellas and oxford cotton shirts. Phase two of the project will begin on, September 5, with the 100 Days of Sno-Cone Excellence.
This project is a joint collaboration among NISE, Digicel (Barbados) Ltd., Harris Paints (Barbados) Ltd. and Wolverine Ice Ltd. (BGIS)
