Welcome to the official website of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

OVERCOMING YOUR FEARS

Starting a business can be a very fearful experience. Not knowing how to overcome this fear, could lead many potential entrepreneurs to abandon their plans. It could also hinder existing entrepreneurs from expanding their businesses. It is therefore, essential to learn how to cope with these fears. Here are a few pointers:-

START SLOWLY

Start the business on a part time basis before deciding to quit your full time job if you are employed.Select a manageable scale.

ASK FOR HELP

Help can be had from:

* The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc.(CED).
* The National Commercial Banks
* Micro Enterprise Loan Programme.
* The National Development Foundation (NDF).
* Professionals in Finance and Business.
* Ministry of Trade, etc.
* Other entrepreneurs and business persons.

PLAN THOROUGHLY

* Have a well thought out Business Plan. This could help tremendously in alleviating your start up
fears. Create detailed marketing and financial plans as part of your overall Business Plan.
* The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. can help you to develop your Business Plan.
* Plan for the unexpected. Think about methods to address possible risks. Always have a contingency
plan ready to deal with disasters.

BUILD YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE

* Have faith in yourself.
* Set achievable goals.
* Celebrate publicly when you achieve each goal.

LET YOUR FEAR WORK FOR YOU

* Try identifying exactly what you are afraid of.
* Think of ways to deal with it/them in a timely manner.
* Seek professional help, if necessary.
* Use your energy to focus on your business rather than on fear.

BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK

* Talk to fellow entrepreneurs.
* Attend conferences, meetings and seminars to meet people/other business owners.
* Join associations, i.e, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Small Business Association, Chamber of Industry
and Commerce.
* Create an advisory board.
* Use family and friends for emotional support.
* Seek out optimistic people.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

* Learn to balance your professional, business and personal life.
* Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to relieve anxiety and stress. It will also help you to think
creatively.
* Prepare a list of inexpensive things you can give yourself, daily or weekly, as treats for a job well done.
* Picture your business in full operation. Consider all the positive ways in which it would change your
life. Think about the pleasure you would get! Use this as your motivation