CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands - October 16, 2020 -- Entrepreneurs and small-business owners in the U.S. Virgin Islands - and from around the world - can now access a rich variety of helpful USVI resources housed in an all-in-one online platform. The U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA), the lead economic development organization in the USVI, announces the upcoming launch of the "USVI Business Hub". The events for the launch will be held virtually from October 20-23, 2020 via Zoom, a software-based platform for video and audio communications.
This platform project and four-day launch is in partnership with the company Startup Space and USVIEDA economic development partners. These partners, including the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (VIDLCA), the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC), the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), and Startup Space invite the USVI business community to sign up to attend the virtual launch events at www.usvibiz.com .
According to USVIEDA CEO Wayne L. Biggs, Jr., “The USVIEDA team and I are extremely excited about the development and launch of USVI Business Hub for our business community. This hub will be a tremendous platform that will assist business owners in not only gaining quick access to resources, but in opening the door for numerous networking opportunities. I’d like to thank the USVIEDA team, especially the Marketing Dept., for working closely with Startup Space and our economic development partners to make the USVI Business Hub a reality.”
USVI Business Hub, powered by Startup Space, is created for users to easily find a free, interactive platform of support services, mentors, online peer networks, calendar of events and much more that are based in the USVI. This launch event affords entrepreneurs, small-business owners and public-private sector stakeholders a dynamic opportunity to get a hands-on experience with this app, ask questions, and communicate one-on-one with stakeholder leaders and the Startup Space Team.
“Working alongside the USVIEDA team has proven to be a successful collaboration for the outcome of the USVI Business Hub. Both the USVIEDA, its partners and the Startup Space team share in the same belief that an entrepreneurship ecosystem is necessary for a business community’s growth, strength and the ability to thrive,” said David Ponraj, founder and CEO, Startup Space. “My team and I look forward to continuing to work with the USVIEDA to ensure the success of this hub for a spectrum of businesses,” added Mr. Ponraj.
Scheduled dates and times for the USVI Business Hub launch activities:
Tuesday, October 20, 2020: 10AM -11:15AM – For Stakeholders
“Learn how to connect and add resources to support the small business community with special guest Dave Headley, Program Coordinator from Boost St. Lucia.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020: 10AM-11AM – For Small Businesses and Startups
“Learn how to connect with stakeholders and access resources to start, grow, and expand their business.”
Thursday, October 22, 2020: 12PM-3PM – Virtual Office Hours
“Schedule one-on-one’s with VI SBDC, DLCA, and/or USVIEDA’s Economic Development Bank staff on business continuity, renewing and getting a business license, and identifying financing options in the Territory. The Virtual Lobby will also be open to provide technical assistance to get started with Startup Space. ”
Friday, October 23, 2020: 3PM-4PM
“Special Fireside Chat”
To REGISTER, visit: www.usvibiz.com .
One-one-one’s for Thursday’s Virtual Office Hours require advanced scheduling by close of business Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at https://startupspace.app/dynamic-survey/Mjc0.
For more information, contact Shanell Petersen, Managing Director, Marketing and Vision 2040, at spetersen@usvieda.org .