BUILDING BANKABLE BUSINESSES FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM LAUNCHES SECOND COHORT 

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 5, 2026 — The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship officially launched the second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, continuing its commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship and improving financial literacy among small business owners in St. Kitts and Nevis. 

The 10-week program is being facilitated by Alex Straun and is being delivered in partnership with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. 

The launch ceremony brought together program participants, ministry officials, and representatives from the program’s banking partner as the new cohort officially began their entrepreneurial development journey. 

The Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program is designed to equip entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with practical knowledge and tools to better manage and grow their businesses. Participants will engage in sessions focused on financial management, budgeting, business planning, record keeping, banking relationships, and other key areas essential to building sustainable and bankable businesses. 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Delrine Taylor, welcomed participants to the second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses Program and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to access financing and achieve sustainable business growth. She also highlighted the importance of the Ministry’s partnership with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank in helping entrepreneurs move from business development to investment readiness. 

“We are here to provide you with the skills and the tools that you need to become bankable. We have our trusted partners here, the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, because the Ministry provides the technical support for you. We are not a financial institution and if your desire is to seek funding at the end of this program, as you build your bankability, we now have our partners that you can graduate to and seek that funding. This program is designed to prepare you to access loans, manage those loans effectively, and continue growing successful small businesses into larger enterprises. Again, I want to welcome you all as participants in the second cohort of the Ministry’s Building Bankable Businesses Program, and I wish you nothing but success from here on out. You have our unwavering commitment that the Ministry will be here not only to help guide you through the program, but also to provide any additional technical support or business development assistance you may require as you continue building your business.” 

In delivering remarks at the launch of the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Karla Berridge highlighted the importance of financial literacy, strategic planning, and continuous 

learning in building sustainable businesses and underscored the Ministry’s commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools needed to grow and thrive. 

“Too often we believe that having a good idea is enough to build a successful business, but the truth is sustainability requires more. It requires discipline, planning, financial understanding, and the willingness to learn, adapt, and grow. That is exactly why this program exists. Over the next several weeks, each participant here will gain practical tools and knowledge that can help strengthen decision making, improve financial management, and position businesses for growth and long-term success. Whether you are just starting out, trying to organize your finances, or looking to take your business to the next level, this program was designed with you in mind. This initiative also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the small business sector in St. Kitts and Nevis. We recognize that small businesses are not small in impact. They create jobs, support families, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to national development.” 

Representing the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, Anothony Morton, Executive Manager Business Development reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond the classroom. Encouraging participants to fully engage with the program, the Bank emphasized the value of building strong financial habits, leveraging the expertise of the facilitator, and developing businesses that are both profitable and investment-ready. 

“As you embark on this journey, remember that National Bank is your partner. We are partnering in your success. We are committed to helping you as an entrepreneur build a stronger business, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our economy. We encourage you to embrace the lessons in this program. You have a fantastic facilitator; he’s very knowledgeable. Develop the habits that lead to success and continue building businesses that are not only profitable, but bankable. On behalf of National Bank, I congratulate all of you once again. We wish you every success throughout this program and beyond. We look forward to meeting you and I look forward to giving you much money, as much money as you need, once you graduate. So thank you again on behalf of National Bank.” 

This second cohort follows the successful completion of the inaugural program, which saw participants graduate in October 2025. 

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