May 20, 2008 – The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC), the University of the Virgin Islands and the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrate Small Business Week from May 19 – 23, in collaboration with FirstBank, The Rotary Club of St. Croix-Mid Isle and the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce. There are many activities scheduled in the territory and the high points of the week are the annual award ceremonies.
The ceremony on St. Croix will be held from noon to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, May 21, at Gertrude's Restaurant in conjunction with The Rotary Club of St. Croix-Mid Isle. The ceremony on St. Thomas will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., on Friday, May 23, at the UVI Administration and Conference Center (Old Harvey Student Center) in conjunction with the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Reception.
There will be presentations held for the students of the Gladys E. Abraham Elementary School, Wesleyan Academy and the Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School Monday through Wednesday, May 19-21, respectively. There will be three seminars held at the VI SBDC St. Croix Service Center. Credit Management and the ABC's of Small Business Loans will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, on Monday and Thursday, sponsored by FirstBank. There will be a Time Management seminar held from 6-8 p.m., on Wednesday. FirstBank will also sponsor the seminar, ABC's of Small Business Loans, which will be held at the VI SBDC St. Thomas Training Facility from 6-8 p.m., on Wednesday.
To pre-register or for more information on any of these activities, seminars and/or other SBDC services contact: VI Small Business Development Center.
Lead Center
8000 Nisky Center, Suite 720, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 776-3206; Fax: 775-3756
Service Center
No. 1 Estate Cane Center, Suite 104, Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI 00840
Phone: 692-5270; Fax: 692-5629.
VI Small Business Development Center 2008 Small Business Week Honorees
St. Croix
Small Farm Enterprise Award Basil Richards
Nascent Business of the Year "Emerging Woman Entrepreneur Award" Millie Calvin – Cultural Creations of the Virgin Islands
Small Business Person of the Year Bertram B. Lowman – The Clothes Line
Small Contractor of the Year "SBA 8(a) Certified Contractor" John W. Metelus – J.W.M. Painting, Repair and Maintenance
Financial Advocate of the Year FirstBank, Virgin Islands
Small Business Advocate Award Thomas Blake – IRB Training Specialist
St. Thomas
Small Business Person of the Year Harish G. Hemrajani (Tony) – Artland Inc. (Gems Palace and Little America)
Woman Owned Business Award Natalie M. Knight – Messages, Mail & More
Entrepreneur of the Year Cleve Mahabir – Sea Gulls Delivery
Small Business Advocate of the Year
Government Development Bank (GDB) – Economic Development Authority
Community Service Advocate of the Year Nisky Pharmacy, Angel LeBron
Nascent Business of the Year
Tamarind Hill Associates
d/b/a CORE MAGAZINE
Special Recognition Award:
FirstBank – Virgin Islands
(For their annual support and contribution to the VI Small Business Development Center)
