Entrepreneurs in the south of the island benefited from a five-day small business training workshop aimed at sharpening their business skills and making their businesses more marketable.

The workshop was organized by the Department of Commerce (Southern Extension) in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, and held from May 11 to 15, 2026, at the Department of Commerce’s Southern Extension Conference Room in Vieux Fort. The sessions were held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. On each day, a different facilitator presented a specific topic. The topics were as follows:

• Business Starter Essentials – Evaluation of Business Idea, Market Research, and Business Formalization. The objective was to guide participants through the legal and administrative requirements of launching a business while validating their initial business ideas.

• Apply For Your Concession – Explaining the Application Process, Purpose for Concession, Who Can Benefit, and Explaining the Items that can be considered for Concession. The objective was to identify and successfully apply for tax concessions, or small business rebates available in respective industries.

• Business Plan Essentials – Executive Summary, Market & Sales Strategy, Operational Planning, Management & Organization, Funding Request & Risk Assessment, Financials (Micro Business Game). The objective was to transform a business vision into a structured, professional document used for internal strategy or securing funding.

• Branding & Logo Design – Introduction to Branding, Brand Identity & Positioning, Visual Identity Basics, Logo Designs Fundamentals, Brand Board Creation, and Logo Sketching. The objective was to establish a cohesive visual identity and brand voice that resonates with the target audience.

• The Journey of Starting and Operating a Business – The objective was to provide a comprehensive roadmap of the entrepreneurial life cycle, helping participants transition from the “set-up phase” to the “growth phase” while managing the daily operational demands of a sustainable business.

Ms. Milliena Paul, Business Development Officer and Officer in Charge of the Department of Commerce (Southern Extension), said the workshop was organized in response to the growing number of new businesses being established following the launch of the Department’s Southern Extension Office in February 2025. To date, records show that more than four hundred (400) new businesses have been registered.

“The sessions brought together more than thirty-five (35) entrepreneurs each evening,” she said. “The training focused on building the capacity of small business owners and equipping them with practical tools to grow and strengthen their businesses.”

Ms. Paul said participants received guidance on key topics, and those who attended described the workshop as both timely and impactful. Many shared that the sessions expanded their understanding of business growth opportunities and helped them better understand how to access concessions and support available to them.

“With World MSME Day set to be observed in just one month, the workshop served as a fitting and timely initiative to celebrate and strengthen the contributions of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the island,” Ms. Paul said. “This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Department and the Taiwan Technical Mission to supporting entrepreneurs and advancing small business development across the island.”

Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP), said the majority of this cohort comprises local entrepreneurs who first participated in the Business On-site Registration Service hosted in Laborie in 2025.

“We enrolled forty (40) participants for this workshop, and their enthusiasm throughout the week was truly remarkable,” he noted. “The Taiwan Technical Mission would like to express sincere gratitude to the Department of Commerce (Southern Extension) and the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee for providing such exceptional facilitators. Their expertise has given our MSMEs clear, actionable strategic direction, which was complemented by real-world entrepreneurial insights shared during the sessions.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Columbus Philippe, the workshop facilitator who presented on the topic, “The Journey of Starting and Operating a Business”, shared with the participants the business tips that have shaped his own entrepreneurial journey.  

“What I really did was share with them my life experiences,” he said. “I hope that they gained from the knowledge I shared with them on how to establish a small business, the pitfalls they should expect as a small business owner, and how to implement various techniques to make their businesses sustainable.”

Mr. Julian Cherry, of Vieux Fort, who was one of the participants in the workshop, explained that he was able to gain some crucial insights on how to manage a business successfully and sustainably.

“I think the entire week went great. As small business owners, we sometimes like we got lost in the crowd. But this week was an eye-opener in terms of branding, marketing, and whatever else is available that can help our businesses go forward, and also do a better job in satisfying our customers,” Mr. Cherry stated.