On Wednesday, Dec. 15, FirstBank made a donation and a check presentation of $10,000 to the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI-SBDC). The funds will support VI SBDC with its ongoing mission to provide high quality professional business counseling and training to emerging and existing small businesses in the territory.
SBDC is a partnership program of the University of the Virgin Islands and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The center provides broad-based management and technical assistance to new and existing businesses in the territory.
“FirstBank supports the SBDC in their efforts to ensure that the entrepreneurs in our community continue to gain the information and encouragement needed to develop and grow their businesses. We are honored to present the organization with this check and reinforce our commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands,”said Joseph Hosie, FirstBank senior vice president and commercial lending manager.
“Throughout the years we have seen the relationship with our lending institutions grow. FirstBank understands the important role played by the VI SBDC in the community, and with their pledge they ensure that small businesses continue to receive the professional and technical assistance required to grow and expand their businesses. We are very excited to receive this contribution, as it allows us to further our outreach initiatives and invest in professional development,” said Leonor Dottin, state director of VI-SBDC.
SBDC is a partnership program of the University of the Virgin Islands and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The center provides broad-based management and technical assistance to new and existing businesses in the territory.
“FirstBank supports the SBDC in their efforts to ensure that the entrepreneurs in our community continue to gain the information and encouragement needed to develop and grow their businesses. We are honored to present the organization with this check and reinforce our commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands,”said Joseph Hosie, FirstBank senior vice president and commercial lending manager.
“Throughout the years we have seen the relationship with our lending institutions grow. FirstBank understands the important role played by the VI SBDC in the community, and with their pledge they ensure that small businesses continue to receive the professional and technical assistance required to grow and expand their businesses. We are very excited to receive this contribution, as it allows us to further our outreach initiatives and invest in professional development,” said Leonor Dottin, state director of VI-SBDC.
Dottin also thanked FirstBank on behalf of the entire staff of the center and UVI, “thank you FirstBank for being first.”
The five-year partnership between FirstBank and SBDC is a commitment to developing the community and fostering economic growth. FirstBank understands how to be an outstanding corporate citizen and lives by this every day. During 2010, FirstBank contributed to numerous local programs, events, projects and organizations that benefit the V.I. communities. The bank’s philanthropic efforts are channeled to where they are needed most, at home in the Virgin Islands.