NASSAU, BAHAMS- Sea Breeze MP Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice has launched a new e-commerce platform designed to expand market access for local entrepreneurs, unveiling ShopSeaBreeze242.com at the Sea Breeze Business Owners Forum held at Christian Life Church.
The initiative aims to help small business owners reach wider audiences through digital storefronts, while also connecting them to training, compliance resources, and funding opportunities offered by government and private-sector partners.
“When we choose to shop local, we’re doing more than making a purchase,” said Miller-Brice. “We’re investing in our neighbors, empowering families, and building a stronger Sea Breeze for generations to come.”
Her Excellency’s remarks tied into a larger national push for digital transformation which was also highlighted during the forum. As part of the evening’s lineup, Ms Tammy Smith introduced Digilearn Bahamas – a groundbreaking partnership between the Government of The Bahamas, the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. Through this initiative, 7,250 Bahamians will receive free technical skills training, aimed at strengthening the country’s competitiveness in a global digital economy. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economic Affairs are also partnering in this initiative. Courses being offered include basic digital literacy, Microsoft 365 applications like Word and Excel, introduction to coding, cybersecurity essentials, and even computer skills for senior citizens. Officially launched on September 25 at Margaritaville, Digilearn offers monthly courses – with the next beginning November 17 – focused on digital literacy for all ages.
As part of this push for digital learning, Digilearn also announced a series of upcoming public forums aimed at educating Bahamians on the evolving tech industry. Topics will include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital innovation – ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s move toward a smarter, more connected future.
Building on that theme of modernization, representatives from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the National Insurance Board (NIB) highlighted how digital compliance and accountability are transforming the way Bahamians do business.
John Williams of IRD discussed the streamlined process for business licensing, noting that many services can now be facilitated online. He walked attendees through the basic steps of obtaining a business license, including submitting your application, uploading required documents, securing VAT registration where applicable, tax thresholds and filing.
Williams also introduced business owners to the new national liquor licensing registry, emphasizing that any establishment selling alcohol must now be registered under this updated system. His message to those in attendance was clear – proper registration, accurate VAT filing, and full compliance are not only legal necessities, but also markers of credibility that help position businesses for long-term growth, funding opportunities, and ultimately long-standing success.
Ms Adena Minus of NIB reinforced this call for compliance noting their own push into providing digital access to services. Minus highlighted the agency’s Employer Self-Service Portal, which allows users to upload documents and manage contribution accounts, as well as the many ways persons can now make payments online. She encouraged employers to stay current with their contributions and to lean in to the digital tools that make managing NIB contributions more efficient.
Moving from regulations to a call for growth, Executive Director Samantha Rolle of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) followed with a focus on opportunity. Rolle discussed how Bahamian entrepreneurs can benefit from grants and government secured funding through SBDC, in addition to more traditional debt funding. She also stressed SBDC’s efforts to support businesses in the local blue and orange economies- particularly in areas such as cultural tourism and sustainable industries like fly-fishing.
Compared with 2021, Bahamian businesses have seen an almost 30% increase in approved funding from SBDC this year. According to the most recent statistics, since its inception in 2021, SBDC has funded a total of 2,483 clients in 16 islands across The Bahamas. Funding for these clients totals more than $93M for ventures across 44 different industries.
With a focus on vulnerable sectors of the economy such as family islands, women, and young entrepreneurs, SBDC has put in determined effort to support growth within these groups. Family island businesses have been approved for nearly $40M this year, as compared to $26M in 2022, with Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, and Long Island being the top funded locales. Female business owners have also been empowered, representing nearly 60% of the businesses funded this year as opposed to only 49.5% in 2022.
Adding to the air of opportunity, motivational speaker and international business coach Keshelle Davis gave a brief talk on steadiness and the value of faith in navigating the business landscape.
Although covering serious topics, the forum was not without entertainment. Hosted by Kendenique Campbell-Moss, the evening was fun and engaging. Attendees also had the opportunity to win business-centered door prizes – including a legal consultation and professional photo shoot – adding a fun, practical touch to the night.
Full of inspiration and actionable information, the Sea Breeze Business Owners Forum and Website Launch gave constituents a chance to share concerns, ask questions, and get real answers on to how to start a business or how to take an existing one to the next level. After the formal program, guests gathered for a lively reception of conch fritters, pasta, wings, meatball skewers, desserts, and more – a networking opportunity and chance for neighbors, friends, and fellow business owners to catch up.
As the country continues to make access a priority, Miller-Brice expects to see more and more businesses thriving in our communities.
