ILO provides support for Suriname’s Best Young Entrepreneur Campaign

Mr Raveen Ramtahalsingh, Director of Tuinbouwbedrijf Sporits Grun2 NV -- an SME involved in vegetable production -- was named best young entrepreneur.

News | 25 March 2017
In 2015, an assessment of the business environment was conducted in Suriname with support from the ILO. The process,  led by the Suriname Trade and industry Association (VSB), had a tripartite nature. Based on the findings of the assessment, an action plan focusing on key areas of priority to improve the enabling environment for business development was developed and adopted. The assessment of the business environment in the country led to the conclusion that there is scope to raise awareness on business development and job creation throughout the private sector. One of the priority areas agreed on is the need to create an entrepreneurial culture.

To this end, with support from the ILO, a national awareness-raising campaign was launched in the first quarter of 2017, where successful young entrepreneurs would be showcased as models through the print and electronic media. The first phase of the campaign was the organization of a competition to select the best young entrepreneurs in Suriname.

On Saturday 25 March 2017, Mr Raveen Ramtahalsingh, Director of Tuinbouwbedrijf Sporits Grun2 NV -- an SME involved in vegetable production -- was named best young entrepreneur.  He was selected from among 13 finalists.  The best young entrepreneur was judged based on rules established by the ILO and the winner was selected by a panel of judges from Suriname. The panel received technical advice from Mr. Kelvin Sergeant, Sustainable Enterprise and Job Creation Specialist, ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean and Ms. Sabina de Gobbi, ILO Specialist, Geneva.  Mr. Ramtahalsingh received an engraved trophy and consultations relating to leadership, business development and management, among other prizes.

In connection with the 67th Anniversary of VSB, a Starters’ Day Fair was also organized at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. The Starters’ Day was designed to encourage entrepreneurship among young people by providing them with support and information including on how to start and grow a business.  Several workshops were organized  at which successful businessmen shared their experiences with the audience. This Starters’ Day Fair also received sponsorship from the insurance company Fatum NV, Hakrinbank NV, Fernandes Bottling Company SA, IAMGOLD,  Rosebel Gold Mines NV and Suri Print SA.