Pleasant Surprise: Sheena Miller lit up the room with a radiant smile when she unexpectedly won a prize at the ‘Welcome to The Family’ event. From left: Nicole Colebrooke, GBPA Customer Relations Manager; Sheena Miller, GBPA Licensee; and Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer.
Monday, 28st October, 2024 – Freeport Bahamas – On Wednesday, October 16th, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) warmly welcomed a new wave of business licensees at its “Welcome to the Family” event, held to foster collaboration, provide vital information, and enhance the growth of Freeport’s dynamic business community. The event, which gathered an impressive turnout of entrepreneurs, provided an enriching platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and benefits available to businesses with their GBPA License.
The event also marked the launch of GBPA’s Business Retention Program (BRP), a comprehensive initiative designed to support the longevity and success of its licensees. The program offers a range of services, including specialized training, targeted business development resources, and tailored marketing and promotional support. This new effort signals the GBPA’s dedication to nurturing a robust business ecosystem by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed for sustainable growth.
During his address, Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama, emphasized the importance of the BRP as a cornerstone for economic empowerment in Freeport. He noted, “The Business Retention Program represents a significant step forward in our commitment to not only attracting new businesses but to support their long-term success. We recognize that when our licensees succeed, the entire community benefits through job creation, economic diversification, and increased productivity. We are invested in providing a conducive environment where businesses can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Freeport’s economy and by extension the national economy.”
Customer Relations Manager with responsibility for Business Licensing, Nicole Colebrooke, also shared her insights on the impact of the event and the program’s strategic objectives. “At GBPA, we believe in building enduring partnerships with our licensees. This event has allowed us to engage directly with our newest business owners, offering a clear outline of the guidelines, requirements, and the resources available to support their success. Our ultimate goal is to empower our licensees with the necessary information and tools to navigate the business landscape effectively, ensuring compliance while maximizing their growth potential.”
The event also featured a presentation focused on the adherence to license regulatory requirements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency and ethical standards in business practices. This session underscored the GBPA’s commitment to maintaining a structured and compliant business environment that fosters trust and sustainability.
New licensees in attendance expressed optimism about the support and resources offered through the new program, many describing it as an “invaluable opportunity” to better understand the benefits and responsibilities of their business licenses. With events like Welcome To The Family and innovative programs like the BRP, GBPA continues to demonstrate its pivotal role in shaping Freeport’s business landscape—one that is not only conducive to new ventures but built to sustain them well into the future.
