Dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs have completed business training courses to gain practical skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them to launch or grow their own ventures.
They workshops, organised by the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation (AYBF), include QuickBooks Levels 1 and 2, Branding Your Business, Filmmaking, and the Get Set 2025 Entrepreneurial Programme.
The graduates gathered at a ceremony, held under the theme ‘Motivate, Empower and Transform’, at the Teacher’s Resource Centre on 21 August to receive their certificates.
At Anguilla Focus we keep our core content free for everyone – but our members get access to even more! Click here to join from just $3 per month.
AYBF council member Althea Hodge led the welcome remarks, calling the success of the graduates a “remarkable milestone”.
“We salute you,” she told them. “As vibrant entrepreneurs with strong business minds, you embody the spirit of innovation and growth.
“Your passion, your creativity and your determination have all propelled you to new heights, and we are honoured not just to celebrate your achievements, but also to celebrate these achievements with you.”
AYBF chair Demi Proctor went on to tell the graduates: “Being here and receiving your certificate means that you are one step closer to accomplishing a goal, a dream you set for yourself.
“You showed determination and dedication, and tonight, we honour your achievements.”
Proctor said the purpose of the AYBF is to support, guide and equip young people with the skills and opportunities to build thriving futures, and Innovate Anguilla provides the space for that.
However, she said the real work begins with the individuals, who must look within themselves, believe in their potential, and take bold steps towards achieving their vision.
“Be motivated to keep pushing, even when the road feels impossible. Be empowered to thrive confidently no matter the challenges, and embrace transformation, because it is the key to growth.
“Face it head on, know your worth and allow yourself to evolve continuously into the best version of you. Change is not always comfortable, but it is necessary.”
Delivering the keynote address via video was Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business International – the only global network dedicated to youth entrepreneurship.
“I‘d like to start by congratulating all the inspiring young people who are receiving their certificates today, as well as wishing you every success for the future,” she said.
She continued: “I hope that you found this training programme useful and can continue to apply what you’ve learned in your business journeys.”
Tiessen said young people today are more likely than ever to be building businesses that contribute positively to society.
“Whether that’s through striving to seek solutions to problems like climate change or social inequalities, or whether that’s building responsible businesses, grounding in decent work and fairness.
“Supporting the businesses of tomorrow brings prosperity to all.”
The event also honoured tradition with the national anthem and prayer, and included the presentation of certificates. Watch the ceremony in full below:
