Defence Force personnel complete business development program at BAIC

Defence Force personnel complete business development program at BAIC
Commander Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel presenting a plaque to Mr. Benjamin Rahming, General Manager, BAIC as a token of appreciation for hosting the Transitional Entrepreneurial Training Workshop program. From left: Bishop Gregory Collie, Chairman, BAIC; Mr. Benjamin Rahming; Commodore Tellis Bethel and Mrs. Deborah Strachan, Senior Deputy General Manager BAIC. (RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Michael Turner II)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Warrant Officers, and Non-commissioned Officers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are better equipped for future careers after successfully completing a one-week Transitional Entrepreneurial Training Workshop program.

Held at the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC) Training Center, the Senior Enlisted participated in the program designed to assist them with transitioning back into main stream society when they complete their final tour of duty. All having served over 25 years, benefited from numerous speakers from various business and entrepreneurial enterprises, who challenged them to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them.

Some of the course topics relevant to business development included Choosing Your Business/Starting A Business, The Small Business Development Center, Venture Capital Funding, Investment Opportunities via The Central Bank, The Benefits of Entrepreneurial Investment through Scotia Bank and Establishing a Digital Footprint/Presence.

Additionally, they were given a  tour of the Gladstone Road Agro-Industrial Park where they visited the Switcha Juice company, Transformation Landscaping and  Premium Food Services.

The seminar and tours provided insight into opportunities available for senior enlisted members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, who will eventually transition from a military to a civilian lifestyle. Participants were also advised on how to redirect their expertise towards the entrepreneurial arena, where they can continue to provide financial security and economic sustainability for both themselves and the country after making the transition.

In attendance at the closing ceremony were Bishop Gregory Collie, Chairman, BAIC; Commodore Tellis Bethel,  Commander Defence Force; Mr. Benjamin Rahming, General Manager, BAIC; and Mrs. Deborah Strachan, Senior Deputy General Manager.

They all spoke candidly to the participants in their brief remarks, and assured them that there is “Life Beyond The Fence.”

All of the participants were presented with certificates for successfully completing the program.

The entrepreneurial programme falls under the Defence Force’s Operation Transformation, geared towards providing opportunities for RBDF Personnel to excel in every facet of their lives.