NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Eighty-three women entrepreneurs have received a collective $604,782 in grant funding from the SBDC, bringing the total approved funding for women-owned businesses to $30.4 million.
Phyllice Bethel, Deputy Executive Director of the Small Business Development Centre, stated during the ceremony marking the grant awards that the 83 women entrepreneurs were awarded a collective total of $604,782.79 through the 2024 Women Entrepreneurs Initiative.
Bethel said: “The impact of this funding extends far beyond New Providence. We are thrilled to announce that 34 of our grant recipients own businesses based in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. Specifically, 14 women in Grand Bahama will receive $98,410 in grant funding, and 20 women across eight other islands, including Mayaguana and Inagua, will receive $136,000 in grant funding.”
She added: “As of June 30th, 2024, 1,139 businesses owned by women have accessed $29.8 million in funding through the SBDC. Since all of Wednesday’s awardees were first-time grant recipients, the number of funded businesses owned by women has increased to 1,222, with $30.4 million in approvals for women-owned businesses.”
“Certainly, with next year’s initiative, our plan is to improve these numbers even more,” she noted.
SBDC Executive Director Samantha Rolle highlighted that among the 83 women grant award recipients were chefs, educators, entertainers, and entrepreneurs from diverse fields.
“Each of the women receiving grant funding is not only advancing their businesses but setting a powerful example for other women to follow,” said Rolle. She encouraged the grant recipients to dream big and turn those dreams into reality.
Rolle emphasized that they are poised to make a significant impact and reminded them that they are paving the way for future generations of women.
