Thirty-one entrepreneurs from Saint Lucia’s west coast recently graduated from an intensive business training workshop aimed at bolstering their business development skills.

The training workshop was held from May 12-22, 2025, under the guidance of the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee, the Eco-Food Consultation Agency, and a group of facilitators. Participants gained hands-on training, including writing their business proposals, designing logos, and building a content plan for social media.

The initiative formed part of the Community Business Revitalization Project, a partnership between the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia, Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), and the Ministry of Commerce. The project began in Fond St. Jacques in August 2024 with the training of seed mentors to support local entrepreneurship.

A graduation ceremony was held on the afternoon of Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Soufriere Primary School for the business training workshop, where H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, told participants the ceremony marked the beginning of their new chapter.

“Over the past week, participants from Soufrière, Sulphur Springs, Fond St. Jacques, Toraille, and Ti-Bough have come together to take part in something powerful, equipping yourselves with the skills to build and grow your own businesses,” said Ambassador Su. “Thanks to your enthusiasm, this project has been expanding to reach out to the bigger Soufrière communities.”

Ambassador Su also commended the participants on their decision to participate in the training programme and for investing in themselves, thereby creating new possibilities for their families, communities, and future.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Taiwan, I want to tell you how proud we are to be walking this path with you,” said Ambassador Su. “Continue to believe in yourselves. Keep supporting one another.”

Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, said Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques’ high placement in the island’s tourism sector offers a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs. She urged the entrepreneurs to tap into these opportunities by analyzing the business climate and adapting, noting that the ceremony marked a proud and pivotal moment in their journey towards improving their business acumen and repositioning their businesses for maximizing their true capacity.

“I want to take this moment to applaud you for taking this step towards your personal progress and elevation of your respective businesses,” Hon. Hippolyte told the participants. “Your decision to participate in this programme signifies your commitment to growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in your business. Over the past weeks, through fifteen power-packed training sessions, you have immersed yourselves in the practical tools and techniques which are all part of successful entrepreneurship.”

She added: “Hopefully, with these newfound skills, you will be able to expand your vision and manage your business more efficiently and competitively.”

Hon. Hippolyte thanked Ambassador Su and the Taiwan Technical Mission team for all the work they have done. She also thanked Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their continued friendship and generosity, and for their continued development of Saint Lucia.”

In her remarks, Senator Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training, described the graduation ceremony as a celebration of ambition of growth and potential.

“Each of you took a bold step to learn to develop and equip yourselves with the tools to build something meaningful – not just for yourselves, but for your families, for your community, and for your country,” she told the participants. “This programme is a testament to the power of knowledge and the transformative role that entrepreneurship can play in community development.”

Senator Dr. Antoine-Prospere told the participants that the technical competencies they have learned are the building blocks to success in a world that demands innovation, flexibility and courage. Saint Lucia’s economic strength, she added, depends not only on the large hotels and businesses, but also on their small enterprises.

“You are the backbone of our local economy, the heart of rural development, and the spirit of self-reliance,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Sandra Prospere, President of the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee, said the participants demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment by attending classes every evening, investing time, energy, and passion in their entrepreneurial development.

“This training was not just about knowledge — it was about building a network of like-minded individuals, exchanging ideas, and empowering one another to succeed,” she told the participants. “As we close this chapter, I hope you leave with not only new tools, but also new confidence to take your business to the next level. You are proof that with determination, learning, and the right support, great things can happen. We look forward to seeing how you take what you’ve learned and use it to grow your businesses, create jobs, and impact your community.”

Mrs. Prospere thanked the workshop facilitators and partners, especially the Taiwan Technical Mission, who funded the project, and the Soufriere Primary School, who kindly provided the venue for the training.