UTSA International Trade Center observes launch of first SBDC in Barbados

Barbados

Barbados

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(April 16, 2015) - Albert Salgado, director of the International Trade Center's South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network in the UTSA Institute for Economic Development, recently traveled to Barbados to participate in the launch of the country's first SBDC program.

The project to adapt and implement the U.S. SBDC model in Barbados started in 2012 and is being implemented in other countries in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, St. Lucia, Belize and Dominica. The Ministry of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development is leading the implementation of the SBDC program in Barbados, and will launch two pilot centers in the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) and the Youth Business Scheme (YES).

“The SBDC model brings unique best practices to Barbados by focusing on one-on-one, long-term assistance that helps micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) generate economic impact through the creation of new businesses, assisting existing businesses access capital, increase sales, and exports. The results lead to job creation and significant contributions to the overall economy,” said Salgado.

Salgado added, “The SBDC model promotes a result-oriented culture that is evaluated in terms of impact generated by professionals working with MSME clients. The model leverages university and public-private sector resources to develop a collaborative eco-system that grows and sustains small businesses throughout the Western Hemisphere; and promotes business and trade linkages among clients of different centers using tools such as SBDCGlobal.com.”

SBDCs, established throughout the U.S. by the federal government in partnership with state governments and universities and colleges, assist entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing and growing their businesses through a free and confidential suite of advising services. Services include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, business strategy, financial planning, marketing, production and professional networking. The Centers support new and existing businesses.

For more information, visit SBDCGlobal.com

In 2014, the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center was recognized as the national SBDC of the Year at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The International Trade Center at UTSA is one of the largest and most successful trade assistance organizations in Texas. It helps companies become globally competitive through technical trade advising, customized market research and innovative training programs. The center is a specialty SBDC program in the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network.

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