A market for small businesses is set for a make-over to help attract even more customers.

The Rubber Tree Market, next to the Warwick Post Office, has existed for several years but was relaunched last year by Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Finance Minister Paula Cox.

But it is now set to get another boost with investment from the Small Business Development Company (SBDC), which took over the market's running from the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

The SBDC will set up semi-permanent structures for when the market re-opens fully for its new season in April.

Roxanne Christopher, the SBDC's new Business Development Officer, said: "We are developing a new design which will look aesthetically better than before."

Currently, the SBDC provides canopies and tables as well as a disc jockey, a port-a-potty, a fun castle and a clean-up crew.

Ms Christopher said there are 80 registered vendors, with between 30 and 45 vendors setting up at the market each week. Normally there are approximately 200 customers over a two-week stretch, she said.

Due to the large number of customers, Ms Christopher wants to revamp the market to attract even more people and to give an opportunity for entrepreneurs to have a place to start their business.

Deopp Williams, of Williams Trading, has been at the market for three years and said: "It gives an opportunity to people who are afraid to go out on their own, it cuts down on overheads." He said he has paid as much as $700 a month for retail space the size of a small bathroom.

Joy Binns, of JD Fashions, said the market was a great way to socialise and sell goods. She added: "It is better to be at one place. It is better than being at Parsons Road and Barnes Corner."

At the market, people can find a variety of goods ranging from clothing for men, women and children, art work, CDs and DVDs, household items, woolen caps, hats, shoes, toys and bikes.

The market was originally the responsibility of the Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, and was re-launched in April last year.

"The Rubber Tree Market will be a legal place for entrepreneurs who don't require a brick and mortar structure to sell their wares," said Dr. Brown at the relaunch.