The first in a series of targeted and formalized interactions for the preparation of a Small Business Policy got underway on Wednesday, June 8th 2016.
This Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Policy Development Consultation forms part of the Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development’s drive to further enhance and develop the business sector.
These activities will ultimately lead to a Small Business Act for Dominica.
Executive Director at the Small Business Support Unit, Alexander Stephenson gave the opening remarks.
“Every one of us participating recognizes the need for a policy framework that will govern micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship. This is so that pointed, strategic and synergistic support can be provided to all…particularly the youth, rural women, the physically challenged and persons with brilliant, creative and innovative ideas for transforming Dominica’s economy…
“A key outcome which I personally look forward to from this series of consultations is our definition of a small business.”
In her address, the Hon. Minister for Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development, Roselyn Paul stated that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in Dominica’s economy.
“The MSME sector is recognised globally as key to economic development of any nation. Here in Dominica, my Government recognises the importance of this sector as vibrant contributor to the economic and social transformation of Dominica. Already, we note that small businesses in Dominica continue to contribute significantly to the annual GDP and provide employments for over 60%. It is therefore imperative that we establish clear statements, mandates and guidelines to govern the functioning of that sector.”
She continued, “I commend the attempts which have been made so far although the work us not complete hence the establishment of my Ministry. We recognise the importance of this document and the need to complete it by year end.
“We also note that we must take a participatory and inclusive approach to ensuring a holistic and comprehensive policy for the MSME sector.”
She said to participants, “Today is the first of these consultation and you are the first group of participants. We therefore call on you to be open, frank and positive. Most of all, be solution-oriented to make a difference in the development of that policy. Your openness and frankness is required to arrive at clear, realistic positions to ensure that the MSME sector is built on a solid foundation.
“The critical issues, challenges and solutions to make this sector formidable would have to be articulated in this policy and so we cannot overemphasize the importance of your contribution.”
Minister Paul says she is committed to the completion, implementation and advancement of the policy.
She hopes that the final MSME Policy will be implemented through a coordinated and collaborative effort following formal adoption.
The series of consultations will be facilitated by Milton Lawrence who has extensive experience in the field having worked as consultant with organizations such as the Canadian International Development Agency, USAID, the United Nations Development Programme and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
He gave his hopes for the consultation.
“Hopefully, we can come up with a document and a series of recommendations that are reasonable, practical and workable. There is no point in asking people to do things that they either cannot do or are unwilling to do. We have to make sure that what we request is feasible and reasonable,” he said.
