Mitchell’s Plain residents were encouraged to buy and make use of local services to keep the money in their community to help build a sustainable economic environment.

These were Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) regional manager, Shawn Charlie's words at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) business support activation at Portland indoor sports centre on Wednesday May 22.

They were flanked by various partners and agencies to showcase their services to Mitchell’s Plain entrepreneurs and businesses.

Mr Charlie said small businesses in Mitchell’s Plain were doing quite well and competing with corporates and major retailers.

“But it is our mindset to go to Century City or Cavendish, when we have such good businesses that can make that suit and that dress in Mitchell’s Plain.

“By us supporting businesses in Mitchell’s Plain, the money stays in Mitchell’s Plain, that money circulated in the area, between the tailor, the baker and the automotive guy,” he said.

He said support for local businesses was key in putting funds in local households and creating a sustainable community.

“We need to create a cash flow in the community,” he said.

Mr Chalie said: “We need to see you create wealth for yourself, look after your household and look after your community.

“We have to invest in our communities. We have to fight for our communities to create economies that are sustainable.”

He said it would not happen overnight but was a process of elevating one business at a time.

He encouraged businesses to seek help, go online and take up opportunities to access funding, especially for youth.

“We cannot have youth with all of this potential and not have them contribute to our economy,” he said.

SEFA is in the business of alleviating poverty by seeing small businesses create jobs and thrive.

Deputy director Lionel Archillies, in the DTIC’s regional office forcused on Incentive Development and Administration Division (IDAD), said they were in Mitchell’s Plain to direct the public, businesses and entrepreneurs to funders, departments and agencies to help support and grow their businesses.

“The department is also there to regulate businesses so you can hold them accountable for service delivery or quality products,” he said.

Mitchell’s Plain entrepreneurs and business people speak to members of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

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Residents urged to support ’Plain economy