The Tribune

A young Bahamian entrepreneuer is aiming to inspire others to follow in her footsteps through a new radio show on ZNS.

Davina Rutherford is the host of a new talk show program called ‘Minding Your Business’, which will air every Tuesday afteroon from 3pm to 4pm on ZNS 104.5FM. It makes its debut today.

The show is intended to provide Bahamians with information and support from other business professionals.

Billie Bowe, president and chief executive of Benchmark Consulting Services, is one of the featured guests on today’s show. With more than 15 years’ experience in business, Mrs Bowe will offer advice to those seeking to venture out on their own. She will share her own personal story of how she made the transition from being an employee to being self-employed.

“Starting your own business can be a daunting experience. It requires a vision, planning and guts,” said Mrs Bowe.

She added that she is seeing a positive trend in Grand Bahama, where Bahamians are turning their passion into a business opportunity.

Mrs Bowe said this was very encouraging, as small and medium-sized businesses play a critical role in the growth and sustainability of the Bahamian economy.

“In my business as a management consultant, I come across many individuals who want to start a business but lack the resources to make it happen,” she said.

“With this show, ‘Minding Your Business’, and many other resources available, those individuals can get the advice needed and stay well informed of what to expect.”

Mrs Bowe added: “While capital is an obvious need when starting a business, expertise in the area you are interested in is key. It takes tenacity and patience, but mostly it requires a solid plan.”

Mrs Bowe also said that receiving mentorship and support from other business professionals can assist young persons as they begin the process of becoming self-employed.

“It is easy to have an idea but executing the idea will require hard work and dedication,” she said. “There will be pitfalls and dissappointments, however, remaining focused and not giving up on your dream can and will reap rewards for you in the end.

“Don’t see these challenges as failures. Rather, think of them as a part of the learning experience. To know what success looks and feels like, you have to have had experience with what failure feels like.”

Ms Rutherford said: “My goal for the show is to empower and enlighten people on being their own success story”.