The Tribune

By ANNELIA NIXON 

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

A $50,000 investment will help drive the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) bid to nourish and grow the Bahamian fly fishing industry, it was announced yesterday.

A partnership between the SBDC, the Ministry of Agriculture and The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) produced the $50,000 investment in the Fly Fishing Initiative, the former’s first project for 2025. SBDC’s executive director, Samantha Rolle, hailed it as “a decisive step to not only ensure that this industry remains in the hands of Bahamians, but that it also continues to grow”.

Ms Rolle added that a standalone grant opportunity has been “tailored” for “the foundational level and the advanced level” in the fly fishing industry. Certified guides can get up to $40,000 in grant funding, while the initiative will offer “self-paced entrepreneurship training” and mentorship in partnership with the Association. Ms Rolle also announced that the SBDC will launch the ‘Cast for Change’ campaign.

“In 2018 alone, this sector contributed approximately $169m to the Bahamian economy and supported over 7,800 jobs,” Ms Rolle said. “These numbers highlight the great value that this industry has and, through this initiative, we will ensure that Bahamian fly fishing entrepreneurs have the tools, the training and resources to build sustainable businesses that will last for generations.

“At the Small Business Development Centre, we develop each of our programmes to address unique needs of the entrepreneurs we are serving. This initiative is designed with both new and existing fly fishing entrepreneurs in mind, offering specific resources that will help both to thrive. We are offering a self-paced entrepreneurship training which will cover the basics needed to run successful businesses.

“To further this training, we are offering a mentorship programme in collaboration with the BFFIA regional learning network. This mentorship will allow for mentees to collaborate with others in the industry who understand the unique challenges they experience,” Ms Rolle continued.

“For eligible participants, we are offering a standalone grant opportunity to close out this initiative. Unlike our other standalone grant opportunities, we have tailored the grant to both the foundational level and the advanced level.

“For guides who are not yet certified, the grant will provide funding assistance to pursue the National Flats Fishing Guide Certification and Flash Fishing Guide for Veteran Guides programmes or certification through BAMSI in New Providence and Andros,” she added.

“Certified guides are eligible for up to $40,000 in grant funding to support the purchase of supplies and equipment critical for business growth. These funding opportunities welcome new guides into the industry while also fostering sustainability with existing businesses.

“In addition to training and funding, the SBDC will also launch our Cast for Change campaign,” Ms Rolle revealed. “This campaign will reinforce the industry’s national significance while also raising awareness for the Bahamian talent within the industry. By highlighting the economic and cultural importance of fly fishing, we will encourage more people to support Bahamian fly-fishing entrepreneurs.

“The SBDC is only able to impact a large scale of entrepreneurs through our community of partners, and so we would like to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, to BAIC and the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association for their commitment.

“This initiative is not only about reclaiming the industry, but also about empowering Bahamian entrepreneurship. By investing in Bahamian talent in the fly fishing industry, we are not just securing jobs; we are preserving the legacy of fly fishing guides nationwide.

This initiative follows the Bahamas Fly Fishing Association’s receipt of $150,000 from the Government of The Bahamas to support the industry. Jomo Campbell, minister of agriculture and marine resources, said the initiative will provide those in the industry with what they need to succeed and it will further the fight in “creating sustainable economic growth within this vital sector”.

“This initiative represents our government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic growth within this vital sector,” Mr Campbell said. “Fly fishing contributes significantly to our economy, generating millions of dollars annually and supporting thousands of jobs.

“Our local guides are more than just stewards of the industry. They are conservationists, ambassadors of our waters and key players in our tourism product. This initiative is about equipping them with the tools, training and financial support they need to grow their businesses and to further secure their future.

“.We are pleased to introduce the Fly Fishing Entrepreneurs Initiative, which underscores the commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly in the fly fishing industry. This initiative will provide the necessary resources, training, support needed to empower Bahamians in this field, ensuring that our waters and fisheries remain protected whilst also fostering economic growth,” he added.

“The success of our marine and agriculture industries depends on collaboration. Collaboration between the Government, private sector and our communities. By working together, we can create a thriving sector that not only supports our livelihoods, but also preserves our rich Bahamian heritage for generations to come.”

The SBDC is set to launch its Crafting The Bahamas Initiative, which caters to the creative industry, Wom- en’s Entrepreneur initiative and inaugural Men in Business initiative. To date, SBDC has facilitated $92m in approved funding and has helped approximately 2,300 businesses.