Introduction

The Pioneers of Prosperity program has launched in the Caribbean in seven countries including Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and is accepting applications through March 23, 2009. The competition is open to all private sector Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) based in the participating countries that have between 5 and 250 employees and annual revenues of $100,000 USD and $5,000,000 USD.  The program launch has been supported by a series of events and articles around the Caribbean.

Below is a sampling of recent press coverage:

Bahamas: Officials of the Bahamas Development Bank,the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, and Local Government Officials attended the launch events.

Barbados: A recent article in the Barbados Advocatediscusses the importance of research and data collection to support a robust SME sector in Barbados.

Belize: 7NewsBelize.com and Love FM covers Pioneers of Prosperity in Belize.

Guyana: The Guyana Chronicle writes about the importance of SMEs and calls the private sector “the engine that pushes economic growth and wealth creation and creates employment for the poor”.

Haiti: Le Matin covers Pioneers of Prosperity’s launch in Haiti.

Jamaica: “SMEs Generate Growth and Jobs More So than Conglomerates” writes the Jamaica Observer

Trinidad and Tobago: “Trinidad and Tobago’s Express urges region to embrace change” Trinidad and Tobago Express

In the coming weeks, this blog will cover important topics related to the program; share perspectives from the PoP program on the ground; and introduce you to the firms that are participating in this exciting competition.  We invite you to check back, and to reach out to us through the comments or via email atawards@pioneersofprosperity.org with your thoughts.

- Julie Kennedy, Regional Director of Pioneers of Prosperity, Caribbean