boosting move.

Weekly workshops will be held to train people to better manage small businesses.

The scheme is a joint venture by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce and Bermuda Employers' Council.

It was unveiled by the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan at a Cabinet House Press conference. Several business leaders were present.

Sir John said it would fulfil a crucial role in expanding the small business sector.

And it would create much-needed jobs, he added.

"We all know that while our large companies play a vital role in the success of our country, we can look to small business for new areas of growth, improved employment opportunities and competitive advantage.

"The small business community in Bermuda has always been successful but, without question, it has been under a great deal of pressure in the last months.'' He added: "Our history has been built on strong, entrepreneurial thinking and small businesses should thrive as our economy starts to rebound from a three-year recession.'' Sir John said Government promoted ties between the private and public sectors.

"Governments are becoming facilitators, making things happen and not necessarily doing those things themselves.'' The new "After Five Small Business Series'' scheme will feature weekly workshops.

They will be hosted alternately by the Chamber of Commerce and the Employers' Council from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Topics will include developing a business plan, budgeting and cash control, business loans, marketing and sales techniques, customer service.

The first workshop on time management will be on June 23 at the Employers' Council.

The second on developing a business plan at the offices of Arthur Andersen on June 23.

Ms Carolyn Mello, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, hailed the initiative as "timely and important''.

"The idea of joining hands with the Employers' Council was a natural and we see this joint venture as an important first step in providing relevant new services to the Bermuda business community.'' Ms Mello said the workshops were part of a package of proposals to give small businesses a pep.

Other programmes were in the pipeline, including a Small Business Guide Book and forums.

Executive directory of the Employers' Council Mr. Malcolm Dixon was also enthusiastic.

"There is a real need in Bermuda for all of us to be more creative in how we manage our businesses and how we service the needs of our customers.

"The Employers' Council and the Chamber are actively striving to enhance the services we provide and we see this new venture as an important opportunity to provide small businesses with the services and training more usually taken advantage of by the larger, more established businesses.'' Mr. Rhammadin Smith, a small business owner and member of the Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Task Force, backed the venture.

"As a small business operator, I know very well the demands and pressures we face on a daily basis.

"Running a small business takes all the skill and expertise of running a big business. In some respects even more.''