YEA Commences 2nd Business Mentorship Programme

Castries, Saint Lucia | 26 June 2024 – Capitalizing on the success of last year's inaugural initiative, the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) has launched its second Mentorship Programme, aimed at cultivating and nurturing young aspiring entrepreneurs.

The official orientation ceremony for the 2024 Mentorship Programme took place on Wednesday 26 June 2024, at the Blue Coral Conference Room on Bridge Street, Castries. The gathering of mentors and mentees received addresses from YEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bryan Vidal; Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Khrystal Riviere; and Training and Development Officer, Ms. Olivia Jn Baptiste.

The event marked the beginning of a four-month journey where forty-five (45) aspiring entrepreneurs will receive invaluable mentorship from twenty-four (24) seasoned business consultants, entrepreneurs, and professionals. YEA witnessed a surge in interest compared to last year’s fifteen (15) mentors, who served as coaches to thirty (30) mentees over six months. From all accounts, the first Mentorship Programme was a great success, helping the youth-led businesses better prepare to compete and succeed.

This year's mentors bring expertise in fields including banking and finance, business management, customer service, human resource management, and marketing. Mentors will convene weekly with their mentees to explore avenues for enhancing their businesses, exchanging ideas, and identifying networking opportunities.

The mentors are as follows; Mr. Andrew Robertson, Mrs. Aretha Auguste, Mrs. Donna Bobb-Hinkson, Ms. Camille Paul, Mrs. Cindy Emmanuel-McLean, Mr. Dave Headley, Ms. Glenda Lesfloris, Mr. Jerson Badal, Mr. Kelvin Jn Baptiste, Ms. Kentilia Louis, Ms. Leona Edward, Mr. Lyndell Halliday, Mrs. Mauricia Thomas-Francis, Ms. Michelle Samuel, Ms. Miranda George- Arthur, Ms. Nadiege Amorsingh, Ms. Natasha Pascal, Mr. Peter Lorde, Ms. Samantha Mauricette, Ms. Sonia Polius, Dr. Thecla Fitz-Lewis, Ms. Vernelle Joseph, Mrs. Vernessa Henry-Long, and Ms. Yasmine Francois.

YEA continues its mission to uplift and upskill the next generation of Saint Lucia’s business leaders. Further to the Business Planning training now underway, and the recently concluded Business Readiness Workshop, YEA is also inviting young entrepreneurs to visit its office or website: www.youtheconomy.lc for assistance to transfer their hobbies into entrepreneurship, skills into businesses, and for further investment in their enterprises.