During a press conference earlier this month, officials at The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), announced plans for an E-Business initiative, which aims to equip local businesses with basic tools to expand their customer reach, and increase prospects for greater success.
As its theme suggests, “Revolutionize Your Business with E-Commerce” the training will focus on the virtual environment, and how local businesses can capitalize on its advantages. Attendees will experience a full day covering key topics including the acceptance of e-payments.
“Statistics show that a significant amount of consumers will research options online prior to conducting a purchase,” cited Derek Newbold, Senior Manager of Business Development and Invest Grand Bahama.
“This means…if you don’t have an online presence, chances are these consumers are doing business with your competitors. If local businesses can capture even a fraction of one percent of shoppers in the virtual platform, this entire economy can be transformed, with the right e-business strategy,” he added.
The training dates have been pushed backed to Wednesday, April 20th and Thursday, April 21st , and will take place at the Pelican Bay Resort, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Business Services Manager for the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB), LaShawn Dames advises that the event will be both informative and entertaining.
“We are excited to host this event for our Licensees, and welcome non-licensees as well. Participants can expect to cover lots of ground on topics such as: Website Development, Accepting Payments online and the Benefits of e-Marketing & Social Media,” Dames expressed. “They will receive timely and relevant information, while having an enjoyable and engaging afternoon. And yes, there will be surprises,” she continued.
Payment Platform Facilitators, Bank of The Bahamas says they too are excited about the initiative and how it will empower businesses for growth and success. “We will be at the e-Commerce training to offer our services as payment platform facilitators,” shared Michaela Perpall, Associate, Corporate & Commercial Services. “We will cover setting up accounts, online transactions and accepting payments direct to your B$ account.” Perpall explained.
Online registration for the event is open at www.gbpa.com and also at www.empoweringlicencees.com . Seating is limited and businesses are asked to register early. The training is FREE to GBPA Licencees in good standing and $25.00 for non-Licencees. As space is limited, businesses are asked to register one person per business licence for the date selected.
GBPA President, Ian Rolle, noted that the initiative is very timely and will be the catalyst for another IGBSBB project.
“The reality is that Bahamians are shopping online more than ever, making it increasingly more difficult for local businesses to compete. Our ATM Cards work like a credit card and can be used to purchase goods and services from almost anywhere. You name it, we buy it. The question is: Why aren’t WE selling our services and goods online and capitalizing on the vast consumer pool it offers,” Rolle expressed.
“The online environment has become essential to the sustainability and success of 21st Century businesses. The training is very timely, and once completed will become the launch pad for another very exciting initiative soon to be announced,” Rolle concluded.
