Department of Trade Celebrates Completion of Entrepreneur
The Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, in partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), held an awards ceremony on Monday 1 December 2025 to mark the successful conclusion of its inaugural three-week Entrepreneur Training Programme. Officials confirmed plans for a second programme in early February 2026, a structured Mentorship Programme, continued MSME grant funding, and a near-future Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Malta and HLSCC to establish a Global Knowledge Exchange, according to a Department press release and government reporting.
The Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, working with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural three-week Entrepreneur Training Programme at an awards ceremony on Monday, 1 December 2025 at the HLSCC Marine Centre. The event brought together Honourable Lorna G.
Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation; Dr. Lincoln Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion; Dr. Ronald Brunson, HLSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs; Mr. Leroy James, Business Development Manager of the National Business Bureau; programme instructors; and 12 of the 20 awardees who completed the training, according to the Department and reporting by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Minister Smith addressed attendees on the role of entrepreneurship in strengthening the Territory, saying: "Every step you take to strengthen your business helps strengthen the Territory as a whole. As a government, we’re working to make that path as smooth as possible, improving the business environment, modernizing systems, and creating more space for people to grow their ideas." The minister’s remarks were included in the Department’s release and reported by VINO.
Lincoln Bobb praised participants for their commitment and reiterated the Department’s ongoing support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Virgin Islands. Ronald Brunson highlighted the college’s partnership with government, noting that initiatives like the training programme extend the school’s reach beyond classroom instruction to empower the wider community.
The three-week curriculum was designed to build practical business skills, technical knowledge and industry-relevant training for aspiring entrepreneurs, as part of a broader effort to diversify the local economy, increase competitiveness and support sustainable livelihoods for residents.
Looking ahead, the Department confirmed several follow-up initiatives. Building on the inaugural cohort, a second Entrepreneur Training Programme is scheduled to begin in early February 2026. The Department will also introduce a structured Mentorship Programme to pair emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned business professionals to guide new ventures through common start-up challenges.
These plans were described in the Department’s press release dated 3 December 2025 and in government communications. Officials also said the Government is nearing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Malta and HLSCC to create a Global Knowledge Exchange that will give BVI businesses and HLSCC students access to international insights and expertise.
The Department confirmed the MSME Grant Programme will continue, with funding awarded through a merit-based process overseen by a Cabinet-appointed committee. For more information on programme dates, grants or mentorship opportunities contact the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion at (284) 468-4280 or (284) 468-4334, email bvinbb@gov.vg or bvitrade@gov.vg.
For international media enquiries: BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. General government services can be reached at (284) 468-3701; the Government’s virtual booking and WhatsApp contact are also listed via official channels.
Primary source: BVI Government