Republic Bank and Business and People Development Associates (BPD) continues to champion women entrepreneurs

Paramaribo, Suriname, March 8, 2024: Its International Women’s Day (IWD) and among Republic Bank’s celebratory initiatives across the Region, is today’s launch of the third cohort of the renowned Entrepreneurs Business Builder (EBB) programme! Like last year, we are in pursuit of 80 women entrepreneurs.

The EBB programme, developed and facilitated by our partners, Business and People Development Associates (BPD), and made possible through our Power to Make a Difference Programme - was specially crafted with women entrepreneurs in mind and seeks to empower them to build future-proof, profitable and sustainable businesses. One hundred and eleven (111) women from across Republic Bank’s subsidiary territories successfully graduated from the first two cohorts.

CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett in a congratulatory message, lauded the conceptualisation and introduction of the EBB Programme, which she describes as a bold and important initiative, positively impacting Caribbean women. Dr. Barnett added “Opening the way for more women to become entrepreneurs is one way to propel the economic and social advancement of our countries.”

In launching today, we see the programme’s relevance to the top 2024 IWD themes “Inspire Inclusion” and “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” as the EBB programme invites women entrepreneurs to seek leadership and business growth, with the aim of advancing gender parity among entrepreneurs and building sustainable business communities.

A maximum of 80 Caribbean women entrepreneurs with a minimum of 2 years of entrepreneurial experience will now have the opportunity to apply to EBB's -month, self-paced online learning programme. Participants can also qualify to receive up to 80% scholarship funding.

The programme will take a systematic approach to ensure that the learnings, strategies, and tactics implemented will generate long-lasting results for all businesses involved. It is expected that by the end of the programme, the participants will have businesses that are stronger, more robust and demonstrate accelerated growth.

The registration process will end on Sunday 31, March and all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by May 2024.

To learn more and register online please visit www.republictt.com/ebb.