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Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) in Dominica

The Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) forms a key part of Dominica’s youth empowerment and business-support ecosystem. Run by the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT), a collaborative initiative involving the Government of Dominica, the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the EDP equips young Dominicans with the knowledge, motivation, and skills needed to start and sustain viable enterprises. Built on DYBT’s training suite, the programme aligns with national priorities, advancing economic resilience while fostering youth-driven innovation and growth.

Programme Structure and Content

The EDP spans four weeks and is built around structured learning and motivation:

  • Week 1, Achievement Motivation Training (AMT): Participants undergo intensive sessions designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, goal-setting capabilities, and confidence.
  • Weeks 2–4, Entrepreneurship Development Sessions: These include practical training in business basics, such as writing business plans, financial projections, marketing strategies, and small-business operations. Guest facilitators often include local entrepreneurs and experts in fields like agro-processing, ICT, and hospitality.

In addition to the core programme, the EDP model within DYBT includes:

  • A Small Business Assistance Facility (SBAF): A two-day workshop mandatory for youth already running enterprises, offering targeted support and business troubleshooting.
  • A Mentorship Programme, partially funded by the CDB and supported by the Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT), which pairs participants with experienced business leaders.

The EDP has been carried out in accessible venues across the island, including Storm areas like Grand Bay and St. Joseph, and evening sessions are offered to accommodate working participants.

Reach and Impact in Dominica

Since its inception in 2004, the EDP has empowered hundreds of young entrepreneurs, particularly those facing financial or training access challenges. It supports participants across demographic lines, with an increasing push to engage young men in trades like cosmetology, retail, agriculture, and food services.

Graduates of the EDP often succeed in launching micro- and small-scale businesses, contributing to local employment and income generation. The knowledge and network built through the programme also help youth prepare for opportunities linked to national development projects, such as the new international airport or expanding tourism infrastructure.