Manchester women get business boost

Young Women and Young Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP), a non-governmental organisation has allocated $2.4 million to a programme aimed at giving a second chance to get their businesses of the ground.

The money was provided by way of a grant by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative.

"This grant is to allow women to realise and achieve their purpose through entrepreneurship and support. The project will provide business support, coaching and allow these women to acquire equipment that will allow them to start their businesses," said Nikesha Lowe, project manager of the initiative that has been dubbed 'Realise Embrace Achieve Your Purpose' (REAP).

REAP is slated to provide entrepreneurship training and support for the approximately 23 young women from various communities in Manchester who have been selected to participate.

OVER OBSTACLES

"The main aim is to have these women overcome their obstacles with the necessary skills needed to become economically empowered and become agents of change within their families and communities," Loew said.

For the next three months, the women will get training in various aspects of business operation. Select participants will thereafter receive a grant of between $70,000 and $100,000 in equipment, supplies and services towards their business.

Dr Neleen Leslie Board, chairman of YWOP/YMOP and director of graduate studies at the University of Technology, told participants that they should be bold.

"Do not be afraid to spread your wings and try new things. Whatever dreams you have for your life it can come through...you have to prepared to put the time and work into growing. The aim is always to grow and to expand"