Free Training Sessions to Reach 300+ Community Members in Five Districts Starting February 2026

 BizConnect Caribbean, a leading regional business development organization, today announced the launch of its Community-Based Training Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the capacity of community leaders, NGO practitioners, and entrepreneurs across Saint Lucia.

The initiative will deliver five free, district-based training sessions beginning February 25, 2026, in Castries, reaching a total of 300 participants across the island by August 2026. Each

four-hour session will provide expert instruction in financial literacy & budgeting, digital communication, and specialized topics tailored to the unique economic opportunities and challenges of each district.

Bringing Professional Development to Communities

"For too long, professional development opportunities have been concentrated in urban centers, creating barriers for community leaders and grassroots organizations who are doing critical work in their districts," said Michelle N. Samuel, Program Lead/Workshop Facilitator. "By bringing expert training directly to communities, we're democratizing access to the skills and knowledge needed to drive local development."

The program addresses a critical gap in capacity-building for Saint Lucia's community-based organizations and small businesses, many of which lack the resources to access traditional training programs. All sessions are completely free and include refreshments, training materials, certificates of completion, and access to pre-registration to the BizConnect Caribbean paid membership which launches in September.

Comprehensive Curriculum Tailored to Local Needs

Each training session features three core components:

1. Financial Literacy & Budgeting (anchor topic for all sessions) - Covering personal and organizational budgeting, cash flow management, and basic bookkeeping practices
2. District-Specific Topics - Including fundraising and resource mobilization, leadership and governance, project planning and management, community engagement and

advocacy, and entrepreneurship with tourism and agriculture focus

3. Digital Literacy & Communication Skills - Encompassing technology tools for collaboration, social media for advocacy, and storytelling to showcase impact

Expert Saint Lucian and International Facilitators

The program features a team of experienced trainers, including:

• Anthia Branford (Saint Lucian) - Financial Literacy Specialist
• Michelle N. Samuel (Saint Lucian) - Fundraising & Resource Mobilization Expert
• Justine Nelson (American) - Financial Education Consultant
• Miranda George-Arthur (Saint Lucian) - Digital Communication & Leadership Specialist
  • Leona Melius-Mathurin (Saint Lucian) - Project Management & Entrepreneurship Facilitator

First Session Details

The inaugural training session will take place:

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AST

Location: Training Room 2, The Innovation Hub, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Morne Fortune, Castries

Topics: Financial Literacy, Fundraising & Resource Mobilization, and Digital Literacy & Communication Skills

Capacity: 60 participants

Community Partnership Approach

BizConnect Caribbean is actively seeking partnerships with community-based organizations in each target district to assist with outreach and participant recruitment. Local organizations interested in partnering can contact Sharine Joseph.

"We recognize that community leaders and established organizations have the trust and relationships necessary to reach the people who will benefit most from this training," added Miranda George-Arthur. "We're committed to working collaboratively with local partners to ensure maximum impact."

Open Registration Now Available

Registration for the first of the five training sessions is now open on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants can apply online at https://forms.gle/7GX5BPEFDjP2YQBS8. Spaces are limited to 60 participants per session.