Invest Turks and Caicos Launches Business Support Unit to Empower Entrepreneurs and Businesses

From Left: Angela Musgrove – CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos; Chairman Alvin Hegner; and Anissa Adderley – the Director for the Business Support Unit take time for a photo op at the launch of the Business Support Unit on Monday.

Invest Turks and Caicos, on Monday, has launched its Business Support Unit aimed at providing comprehensive support services to businesses across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Anissa Adderley, the Director of the Business Support Unit, expressed her excitement about the official opening of this unit, which she said has been designed to offer assistance to all types of businesses across the country.

“It is a unit that is newly formed, specifically designed to provide business support services to all businesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Adderley said.

She pointed out that the Business Support Unit offers five core services:

· Business Planning: Assistance in creating effective business plans to help entrepreneurs and business owners outline their goals and strategies;

· Counseling: Personalized counseling sessions for individuals who seek guidance and advice on their business endeavors;

· Training: Training programs and workshops to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge required for running successful businesses;

· Administrative Services: Support with administrative tasks to streamline business operations and increase efficiency; and

· MSME Programme Recipient Support: Assistance for businesses participating in the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Program;

Prior to the establishment of the Business Support Unit, services, according to Adderley, were offered through third-party partners. However, with this new unit in place, businesses can now access support directly from a team of highly qualified business advisors. These advisors, she said, are available to provide personalized guidance and support on various aspects of business operations.

She said entrepreneurs and business owners can easily access the Business Support Unit's services by walking in and completing a client assessment form. This form, she said, allows the unit to understand their specific needs, including the required training, website development, or other resources. She instructed that the assessment form is also available on the unit's website, and clients have the option to call and complete it over the phone, followed by scheduling an appointment to meet with the support team.

One notable aspect of the Business Support Unit, according to its director, is that it is not exclusive to existing business owners. She pointed out that even individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations can benefit from the program.

She said whether someone is contemplating the idea of starting a business and needs assistance with a business plan or is unsure about the process of obtaining a business license, the support unit is open to all.

“Now, we have a unit that is specifically designed to provide support. So we have a team of exceptionally qualified business advisors, who should provide one-on-on support on business operation, that we did not have in the past,” she said.

Adderley emphasized her dedication to inspire and empower all clients who register with the Business Support Unit. She said her passion for helping the community is evident, as she encourages individuals to take full advantage of the services provided.

“The goal is to create sustainable and resilient enterprises throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

To celebrate the launch, the Business Support Unit hosted an open house event, inviting the community to explore the facility and participate in giveaways.