Phi Beta Sigma, Beta Beta Lambda Chapter & U.S. Embassy Nassau Host Entrepreneurship Seminar

Brothers of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated at the Entrepreneurship Seminar. 

College of the Bahamas students explored the possibility of entrepreneurship as a viable career path and entrepreneurship opportunities in the country on Tuesday November 4, 2014 at the Harry C. Moore Library on the campus of the college thanks to the collegiate chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. 

 The Beta Beta Lamba Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma organized and hosted the event as a part of Sigma Week at the country’s largest tertiary institution. 

 “This seminar has become a signature event for the chapter and students say they get a lot out of it,” said president of Beta Beta Lambda Mick Massaar. “We had a packed house with students asking lots of question so I’m sure we got the message out about a career in entrepreneurship.” 

Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma at the BBL Entrepreneurship Seminar.
(LtoR) Derek Smith, President Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter;
Oriel Sampson, Beta Beta Lambda; Javon Rolle, Treasurer Beta Beta Lambda;
Kenyawn Caroll, Beta Beta Lambda;
Christopher Saunders, 2nd Vice President Delta Epsilon Sigma & Collegiate Advisor to Beta Beta Lambda;
and Jon Montpettit, Chaplin Beta Beta Lambda. 

Four local entrepreneurs interacted with the students in a panel discussion on how to start a business, the joys of running your own business and the challenges of getting a business up and running. 

Seminar panellists included creative consultant Randia Coakley; owner of Islandz and Islandz Tours, Jaime Lewis; business consultant, Yohancy Kemp and Derek W. Smith Jr, a public relations and photography business owner. 

 “The panellists pulled no punches with the students,” Massaar added. “Students said they got real insight into running a business.” 

Graduate advisor for the collegiate chapter Christopher Saunders commented on the brothers’ ability to not only mobilize the college community but to also make an impact on student’s lives. “The promotion of entrepreneurship is a part of the international fraternity’s global initiative of Bigger Better Business and seeks to transform our communities through promoting and supporting small business,” Saunders said. “The fact that Beta Beta Lambda has decided to embrace this aspect speaks volumes for the long-term vision the chapter has not only for the chapter but also the college community and the community at large. They are truly embracing the fraternity’s motto of ‘Culture for Service and Service to Humanity.’” 

President of Beta Beta Lambda Brother Mick Massaar addresses the almost capacity crowd at the  Entrepreneurship Seminar

 Derek Smith who not only was a seminar panelist is also the president of the sponsoring graduate chapter – Delta Epsilon Sigma. “The graduate chapter members are extremely proud of the strides being made by our undergraduate brothers at The College of the Bahamas and their ability effect change on campus,” said Smith. 

He further added that “the chapter is ensuring future generations of Bahamians know about the business opportunities available to them”. 

 The seminar was made possible through a Public Affairs Section (PAS) grant from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and partial sponsorship from B.T.C. 

 The Beta Beta Lambda chapter was the first Black Greek Lettered Organization chartered on the campus and is celebrating 10 years of existence this month. The chapter was chartered November 5, 2004.