BUILDING GREEN LIVELIHOODS THROUGH INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

This seven-month programme has been developed in partnership with Canda through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, The Belmont Foundation and Think and Play Village to equip participants with practical knowledge and technical skills, and to provide hands-on experience through the Youth Agripreneur Demonstration Plot and Youth Innovation Store. These experiences are designed to support meaningful entrepreneurship, stronger businesses, and more resilient livelihoods.

 This Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Island Futures Lab course introduces digital business skills to participants who may have little or no experience with technology. You do not need to own a computer, have a social media account, or know how to use a point of sale (POS) machine before starting. Using familiar Grenadian examples—cocoa, nutmeg, produce, food, crafts and visitor experiences—we will explain each idea in everyday language, show how it can help a small business, and practise making safe choices. The emphasis is on understanding and planning before spending money or opening accounts.

Agriculture has always depended on nature. Farmers rely on healthy soil, clean water, sunshine, and rainfall to grow crops and raise livestock. When these natural systems change, farming becomes more difficult.

Over the last several decades, farmers around the world have noticed important changes. Some places are experiencing longer dry seasons, while others are seeing heavier rainfall and stronger storms. New pests and plant diseases are also becoming more common. Grenada is no exception. As an island nation, our farmers are particularly vulnerable to changing weather patterns. 

This Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Island Futures Lab course prepares participants for entry level and developing roles in hospitality, tourism, food service, retail, visitor services, and other customer facing workplaces. Using Belmont Estate and the wider Grenadian service economy as practical reference points, participants learn how to create positive customer experiences, communicate professionally, respond to complaints, work effectively with colleagues, and demonstrate the reliability and service mindset customers and business partners value.