The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is hosting another Legendary Service Training on Feb. 22 at 8:30 a.m. If you or your staff members would like to attend, please email Brandi Charles at Brandi.Charles@ritzcarlton.com or call the Human Resources Department at 340-775-3333 to sign up. Please provide the attendee’s name, company, phone number and email address.
  • SCORE: Get Your Local Business on Google Search Maps on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. If you want your business to appear in Google search or on Google maps, you need to have a Google Business Profile. Having a profile and keeping it up to date makes you 70% more likely to attract location customers and 50% more likely to lead to a purchase. In this webinar, our expert presenter will teach you the basics of a Google Business Profile, how to build one and the best strategies and tips to keep your profile fresh and up to date. Live attendees will receive free business resources, a copy of the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording. Read more.
  • USVI Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Every year, there are multiple opportunities to do business with federal agencies on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Join SBA, SBDC, PTAC, GSA and the VI National Guard to learn more about contracting opportunities coming available in 2023 and how to bid effectively. Read more.
  • USVI Veterans: Introduction to Business Ownership on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. This training will provide an overview of the entrepreneurial process, what it means to be an entrepreneur, the opportunities and challenges and military skills and attributes that transfer over to entrepreneurship. Join PR/USVI SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Outreach Specialist Juan Marrero for resources USVI Veterans, Spouses and Family need to prosper. Read more.
  • VI PTAC: How to Prepare a Capability Statement on Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. Any organization interested in pursuing government contracts needs a Capability Statement as a prerequisite to submitting a quote, bid or proposal. Learn how to make your organization’s unique value proposition work for you. Read more.
  • SCORE: How to Recession-Proof Your Business on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Economic recession can significantly affect small businesses, but your business can weather an economic downturn if you are properly prepared. In this webinar, you’ll learn what challenges small businesses face during a recession, what is out of your control and what is in your control, and what simple steps you can take to prepare. Regardless of the state of the economy, it’s important to control all aspects of your business so you can remain profitable during the good and bad times. Read more.
  • Business Development Series: Understanding the Basics of Continuity on March 8 at 11 a.m. You will learn from small business experts the steps to start and grow a successful small business. Join the VI SBDC Advisor Raymond V. Henry to discuss business resiliency. Small business owners should always evaluate risk, have a plan and implement the plan to stay in business. Learn the basics to quickly adapt to disruptions while maintaining continuous operations and safeguarding people, assets and overall brand loyalty. Read more.
  • Path to Prosperity Pre-Regional Series US Virgin Islands on March 17 at 8:30 a.m. This event will provide useful information, tools, and resources for small businesses and for attendees an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions intended to create economic progress. The event will include panel discussions comprised of economic and lending experts. There will be facilitated conversations, identifying challenges, sharing best practices, and innovative solutions to accessing capital. The meetings will also include lenders matchmaking sessions for small business owners all across the US Virgin Islands. The event will help to expand bank referrals of small businesses for technical assistance from business development organizations. Invited attendees would include financial institutions, CDFIs, trade groups, local and federal government staff and nonprofit staff representing organizations. Read more.
  • Business After Hours at the VISBDC on April 18 at 5:30 p.m. Are you anxious to meet other small business owners and prospect customers in a setting where you can promote your services and further connect to serve the USVI customer base? The VI SBDC has an event you will want to be a part of. Join us as we host the STT/ STJ Chambers of Commerce Business After Hours Event. Read more.
  • VI PTAC: HUBZone Certification on April 20 at 11 a.m. Did you know that the USVI is a designated HUBZone? The HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year. Join VI PTAC as they share this information. Read more.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835