Group of young multiracial business people are working in modern office. By. iStock/Getty Images/ VI CONSORTIUM
Entrepreneurs and small-business owners in the U.S. Virgin Islands — and from around the world — can now access a rich variety of helpful USVI resources housed in an all-in-one online platform: the USVI Business Hub.
That's according to the V.I. Economic Development Authority, which launched the hub in partnership with Startup Space on Oct. 20, with launch activities — taking place via Zoom — running though Oct. 23.
The launch events happen in partnership with Startup Space and other EDA economic development partners, including the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, and the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning. Signup to participate here.
“The USVIEDA team and I are extremely excited about the development and launch of USVI Business Hub for our business community," said EDA CEO Wayne Biggs. "This hub will be a tremendous platform that will assist business owners in not only gaining quick access to resources, but in opening the door for numerous networking opportunities. I’d like to thank the USVIEDA team, especially the Marketing Dept., for working closely with Startup Space and our economic development partners to make the USVI Business Hub a reality.”
The USVI Business Hub, powered by Startup Space, is created for users to easily find a free, interactive platform of support services, mentors, online peer networks, calendar of events and much more that are based in the USVI, according to the release. The launch event affords entrepreneurs, small-business owners and public-private sector stakeholders a dynamic opportunity to get a hands-on experience with this app, ask questions, and communicate one-on-one with stakeholder leaders and the Startup Space Team, it further stated.
“Working alongside the USVIEDA team has proven to be a successful collaboration for the outcome of the USVI Business Hub. Both the USVIEDA, its partners and the Startup Space team share in the same belief that an entrepreneurship ecosystem is necessary for a business community’s growth, strength and the ability to thrive,” said David Ponraj, founder and CEO of Startup Space. “My team and I look forward to continuing to work with the USVIEDA to ensure the success of this hub for a spectrum of businesses."
Scheduled dates and times for the USVI Business Hub launch activities (The Consortium received this release Wednesday night):
Tuesday, October 20, 2020: 10:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. – For Stakeholders
“Learn how to connect and add resources to support the small business community with special guest Dave Headley, Program Coordinator from Boost St. Lucia.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2020: 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. – For Small Businesses and Startups
“Learn how to connect with stakeholders and access resources to start, grow, and expand their business.”
Thursday, October 22, 2020: 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. – Virtual Office Hours
“Schedule one-on-one’s with VI SBDC, DLCA, and/or USVIEDA’s Economic Development Bank staff on business continuity, renewing and getting a business license, and identifying financing options in the Territory. The Virtual Lobby will also be open to provide technical assistance to get started with Startup Space. ”
Friday, October 23, 2020: 3PM-4PM
“Special Fireside Chat”
For more information, contact Shanell Petersen, managing director, marketing and Vision 2040, at [email protected].
