according to Parliamentary Secretary for Community and Cultural Affairs Sen.

Yvette Swan.

Sen. Terry Lister, Opposition Finance spokesperson in the Senate, posed a Parliamentary question yesterday asking what special initiatives had been completed by the Ministry since October 1993 to enhance the financial well-being of small businesses.

In response, Sen. Swan said that the new general manager of the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) had sought to increase and enhance public awareness of the corporation and encourage small businesses to utilise its free services.

"As a result, the number of client interviews has increased substantially and the number of guarantees issued has increased to 29 totaling $710,500 compared to 15 totaling $396,500 for the comparable seven-month period ending May 1993.'' She added that the BSBDC had also recruited mentors from various professions to provide technical advice and guidance to small businesses when appropriate.

It had also provided assistance through information seminars held by the Ministry of Works and Engineering on tendering policy and procedures, and a "Maximising your Profits'' seminar in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.