UB IGNITE program focusing on launching, growing businesses

Barbara Walkin - June 6, 2023

With the goal of sparking entrepreneurship and innovation in Grand Bahama, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB-Lab), in partnership with the University of The Bahamas-North, last week officially launched the UB IGNITE program.

“The program is free to all Bahamians,” Coordinator Joye Ritchie said.

“If you are in business already or if you have a business idea, or it is just something you are thinking about. we are looking for you.”

Ritchie explained that through the partnership with the IBD, the university was given a $500,000 grant for the program which it will match. In addition, the university is mandated to enrol 640 participants, 50 percent of whom must be females.

“These are the mandates from the IDB, so we have been taking steps toward meeting those requests,” she said.

“The first thing we are doing is the Business Incubator, which will run from June to September.

“The first session will be from June 12 to June 23. There will be live webinars via Zoom where the participants will have access to mentoring, advice from experts, access to networking and a pitch competition.”

While UB IGNITE, initially, is set as a three-year program, Ritchie said the university is already looking for ways to expand.

“So, the incubator will be short sessions, but we have some really brilliant ideas for expansion where we will offer more courses for a longer length of time,” she said.

Dr. Yuliana Topazly, faculty coordinator UB-IGNITE, believes the program will have a long-term impact not only on the participants, but the future of the university by enabling the public to easily access the tools and facilities necessary to support their businesses.

“The primary focus is to help entrepreneurs who want to start their own business or those that are already in business to excel,” she explained, adding that through the UB IGNITE program students will be exposed to mentoring support, skills and get connected with all the elements they need to grow.

“In the longer term there will be an opportunity to pitch for finance, for physical space on campus to be able to showcase your products and services to the public and engage with more initiatives.”

The program is a continuation of the agreement made in February 2022 by the campus to support the economic revitalization of Grand Bahama and empower entrepreneurs through interactive technologies.

“We want the participants to not just think about the market in The Bahamas, but to look beyond. So, information for getting your business online, understanding digitalization and engaging with [people] globally will be shared,” Topazly explained.

She said there is no age limit for persons interested in enrolling in the program.

Individuals interested in registering may call 727-3962 or email ubignite.com and ub.edu.bs.

Topazly said an application form will be sent with further instructions.

“Our goal is to assist in any way we can,” she said.

“The overall vision is to provide opportunities and skills to Bahamians.”

Original link: https://thenassauguardian.com/ub-ignite-program-focusing-on-launching-growing-businesses/