Conscious of the urgent need to reposition the economy and to cushion lower-income families and communities against the impact of trade liberalization and the challenges of globalization, Government is urgently exploring novel approaches to maximize employment and wealth creation for more nationals. One of the important but under-rated pillars of the economy, in this regard, is the small business sector, comprising micro, small and medium-size enterprises, which is actually estimated to account for at least 50 percent of the employment in local labor force, currently estimated at 40,000 persons. Recognizing the nonexistence of both a coherent policy and a body of legislation specific to this vital component of the business sector, Government is desirous of implementing an imaginative and stakeholder-driven Small Business Policy as a matter of urgency. The purpose of the Grenada Small Business Development Policy is to stimulate the sustainable development, growth and expansion of viable micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and to create appropriate conditions for the entrepreneurial spirit and culture to flourish in urban, suburban and non-urban communities throughout Grenada with the ultimate goal of generating wealth and an improved quality of life for more families and to increase better-business skills, competencies and competitiveness in the workforce on the island. The Department of Public Administration in collaboration with the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation is organizing a national consultation to ensure that all citizens are given an opportunity to give an input into the policy, which will guide the development of small business in the country. The consultations will be held in three (3) locations: 1. Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 9 am - The Grenada National Stadium 2. Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 5pm - Bain’s Hall, Grenville 3. Friday, September 26, 2008 at 9 am - The Resource Center , Carriacou The chief presenter will be Mr. Melvin Edwards, renowned Caribbean small business development specialist Copies of the draft policy may be obtained by: Visiting the Department of Public Administration’s office at the 5th floor at the Ministerial Complex or its website: www.grenadagovhr.org, or Contacting the Small Business Development Centre of the GIDC at Frequente Industrial Park, 444-1035 ext. 240, or the GIDC website: www.grenadaworld.com, or at the GCIC Office at Frequente Industrial Park 440-2937 or by simply calling 440-3767 ext. 5018.