The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center recently
contracted the services of TIA & Associates through its
principal, Dr. Anita Roberts, and Crucian Heritage and Nature
Tourism (CHANT) to provide services to Virgin Islands small
businesses. Both organizations will offer one-on-one free
counseling and specialized low-cost training in the areas of
procurement and specialized tourism.
TIA & Associates will provide assistance in two new specialized
areas: 8(a) and HubZone certifications. Dr. Roberts has more than
12 years of experience assisting companies in the attainment of
these certifications. Through this collaboration, the VI SBDC
expects to grow its newly launched Procurement Division, which will
focus on preparing businesses to compete locally and nationally for
government contracting.
Through its collaboration with the Crucian Heritage and Nature
Tourism, Inc. (CHANT), the VI SBDC seeks to specifically target
small businesses that offer products and services in this new
tourism platform. By working closely with existing heritage and
nature tourism product providers, as well as by identifying and
nurturing new providers, CHANT helps to bring St. Croix's authentic
heritage and nature experiences to visitors. Their goal is to
establish heritage and nature as lead tourism products for St.
Croix, and as vehicles for sustainable community development.
CHANT will offer a range of ongoing support, including the
development of business plans and helping small businesses to
secure financing.
Funding for these programs was provided under a key provision of
the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which provided $40 million in
grants to SBA's Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across
the country to support consulting, counseling and training services
provided to small businesses.
For additional information on how to take advantage of these
services, please call your respective VI SBDC Service Center: St.
Thomas/St. John (340) 776-3206; St. Croix (340) 692-5270.
The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of the Virgin Islands.