Small-business initiative hits 10th year
Students meeting business owners
(CNS Local Life): A record number of participants are taking part in an annual programme that offers small businesses free and confidential advice. Launched in mid-February and in its 10th year, the Student Consulting Programme connects small businesses with upper-level business students of the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). The programme is a partnership of the Ministry of Commerce, UCCI and Cayman National Bank.
This year marks the highest student and business participation rate, a total of 19 students and seven small businesses. It is also the first year that some of the small businesses have been owned by alumni of UCCI and, in another first, by teenagers, stated a press release.
“Supporting small business is one of the most important priorities for my ministry,” said Minister for Commerce Joey Hew. “This programme is just one way in which the ministry is working to encourage and develop businesses. I’m so pleased with the high number of participants this year and am excited to see how their business will grow.”
Annette Murphy, a senior lecturer at UCCI and the programme coordinator, said the initiative benefits all parties “This really is a win-win for everyone. The collaborative nature of the programme means that students gain real work experience, while businesses gain free consultation.”
Jade Barnard, 13, said she’s participating because she wants to see her business grow. She and her 15-year-old brother, Luke, own a recycling company. “More people have wanted to join in with our company and we want to employ other teenagers, so we want to learn how we can expand our business,” she added.
Student Brandon Glasgow said of the process. “It’s exciting to go from the textbook knowledge to practical knowledge. I’m ready to see and implement the theory we’ve been learning in class.”
The programme will run for 10 weeks.
