feb-2018c

28 THE BARBADOS INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION overseasmarkets. Specifically,the BIDCsupports individuals and enter- prises in: n Developingbusinessplansandfinancial projections n Developingacorporate identity n Sourcing finance n Achieving international standardscertificationand compliance n Penetrating local andforeignnichemarkets n Marketingfor export n Certifyingtheoriginof goods for export n AccessingbenefitsunderFiscal IncentivesLegislation n Acquiringoperatingspaceona rentor lease/pur- chasebasis n Accessingproductdesignadvisoryand innovative solutions n Accessingthe latestmarket andbusiness intelligence n Training and skills development The BIDCalso offers a Special Technical Assistance Programme,whichmakes grant financing available to enhance the international competitiveness of local manufacturers,service providers,and small businesses. “It is not just about providing technical assistance, but the nuts and bolts of starting a business,howyou growa business,and howyou trade internationallyas a result ,”explains SonjaTrotman,the agency’s CEO since 2015.“We are also involved in the rental of operating spaces for companies looking to establish business- es in Barbados.Anybusiness operation in Barbados looking for a location inwhich to operate,BIDCwill consider their application.” The BIDChas about 80 staff members whowork in specialized departments.These include Business Support Services,comprised of the Research,Design,