As Antigua and Barbuda lifts state of emergency restrictions, there is eagerness to usher in a new wave of business activity to recapture lost revenues. A “Shop Local” campaign dubbed 20 LIKKLE GIFT IDEAS will ensure that local businesses are not left out of the shopping buzz. It highlights the range of unique, authentic product and service offerings that are available in Antigua and Barbuda. It also emphasizes the importance of supporting local enterprises, as a way to help rebuild the economy. Shoppers can check out the 2021 gift guide to elevate their shopping (or wish) list this season. https://anyflip.com/wgwfh/gpzi/
The initiative is coordinated by SamuelFields Consulting Group (SFCG), a mission driven, private consortium of business and finance experts. It is designed to help small businesses promote their product and services and to provide support with entrepreneurial best practices, merchandising, digital marketing and micro financing options.
“Many small businesses look forward to an economic rebound, but lack the tools to fully capitalize on it to grow their businesses,” said Megan Samuel-Fields, CEO of SFCG. “We have put 20 small businesses into an incubator and we provide tips, tools and networking opportunities to help strengthen their operations.”
The products and services are listed in five main categories: Art & Home Decor, Bags & Accessories, Event Planning, Food and Beverage and Health, Fitness and Beauty. “The Gift of Knowledge” is also critically important and three local authors of self-help/motivational books are featured on the list. These authors have shared their professional expertise on SFCG’s weekly show, 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗞𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗬𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗦, on Facebook Live.
Women-owned and sustainable small businesses dominate the list of 20 LIKKLE GIFT IDEAS, including one Barbuda based micro business. Barbuda Emblem sells jewelry made from pink sand and pink shells. The owner Odelia Butler shared that her business was inspired by her mom who loved to collect shells and wanted to start a business “but never had the time.”
“This was her dream and I’m just pursuing it for her,” Butler said. The beautiful jewelry sold by Barbuda Emblem is “not just a gift, it’s an emblem and you’ll be wearing a piece of Barbuda,” the young business owner stated. She added, “Being a part of 20 LIKKLE GIFT IDEAS makes me feel like I can do much better with my business. I feel like I’m a part of something bigger.”
Hunte Farms, another local business featured in the program, offers a range of hormone free poultry options. Co-owner, Tavia Hunte shared that they offer a service where customers can choose to have their meats smoked with a secret sauce and custom blend of seasonings. “Our products would be a great option to gift a family this Christmas. You can prepare a meal as a unique way to show your love and appreciation.”
As part of this Community Outreach Initiative, SFCG has partnered with West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), and Food Brokerage Services, champions of micro and small businesses. The program is also supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce and the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA).
Shoppers who participate in the program will be eligible to win prizes from the list of 20 LIKKLE GIFT IDEAS. They should purchase from the list of businesses, post on social media why they shopped there and what’s great about the business. Then tag ten friends as well as the SFCG Facebook page. For more information visit: https://samuelfieldsconsulting.com
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