Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says the government will continue strengthening support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, while encouraging business owners to make greater use of existing programmes and incentives already available to them.
The minister made the remarks during a recent pre-budget consultation, where participants raised concerns about entrepreneurship, financing, and opportunities for small-business growth throughout Dominica.
McIntyre acknowledged that small businesses play an important role in economic activity and job creation, while noting that some entrepreneurs may not be fully aware of the assistance currently available through government agencies and support programmes.
“The small business question did come up quite a bit,” the minister said during the consultation. “There are some incentives that we have that a lot of people might not be aware of.”
He pointed to services offered through the Small Business Support Unit, fiscal incentive programmes and financing opportunities available through institutions such as the AID Bank.
According to McIntyre, these programmes are designed to help entrepreneurs expand operations, invest in equipment, improve productivity and develop new business ventures.
“I suggest those of you in small business take advantage of those opportunities. You can visit them and get all the information as to what’s available to assist small businesses,” he stated.
The minister also linked entrepreneurship to broader efforts to reduce import dependence and create additional economic opportunities in Dominica. He noted that the government continues to invest in agriculture, agro-processing and value-added production as part of its broader economic development strategy.
Several participants at the consultation reportedly highlighted the need for greater public awareness of available business support programmes, easier access to financing and additional training opportunities for entrepreneurs.
McIntyre said the pre-budget consultation process allows the government to receive direct feedback from citizens and business operators while helping to shape policies and priorities for the upcoming national budget.
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