The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) will continue to expand and strengthening its franchise store network, a senior executive yesterday saying this demonstrated its commitment to small businesses.

Carlyle Roberts, BTC's vice-president for enterprise and strategic solutions, said the company has rolled out more than 30 franchise stores across the country.

"It is one of the ways in which BTC has been able align our words with our actions," he said. "In developing the small business sector, I think the partnership with BTC enables persons to open their business alongside a business that is already successful and give them the head start. They get to have the branding, the products and get to be aligned with what we are doing with BTC."

Mr Roberts added: "We have seen over 30 franchise stores, and we continue to look at how we expand on that model. It is an area that we are strengthening; strengthening our partnerships and looking at how we do business, and how we can make those stores even more successful.

"That is a model I think we will continue to utilise at BTC. It is a model that continues to help small business owners. They have been able to expand what they do. Some of them are in adjacent businesses or have been able to consolidate what they do."

BTC has partnered with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) October to host Small Business Month in October. BTC and the BCCEC will look to highlight the country's small business entrepreneurs by showcasing who they are, and what they are doing to contribute to the economy.

Both will host a number of initiatives, with the first week focused on training sessions to help improve small businesses. The courses are International Labour Organisation (ILO) certified.