Dr. Brandon and her team embraced me as both as an entrepreneur and as a novice ecosystem builder. In just a few months, I was given support and guidance to host events for fellow entrepreneurs. Opportunities that were suited for us, she sent our way and encouraged us to push our limits in order to grow. Even more important is the compassionate and peaceful way that she leads, always conflict free and resolution first. COESL is a role model entity that leads with wisdom while nuturing the whole person.
We encountered this non-profit following our ECW application process. Unfortunately, the ECW structure was not set up to facilitate representatives from our country, hence we encountered various challenges in accessing the rewards for our participation. Here is where COESL stepped in and presented a case for our inclusion for us to receive the assistance that was promised. During this process, we developed an excellent relationship with the COESL team. Their efforts resulted in us being given access to various resources and supporting tools. Due to the great relationship that we developed with COESL, we were asked to become their local partner on initiatives to highlight young entrepreneurs' in St. Kitts and Nevis. One of the events was a fireside chat that focused on the issues and limitations that entrepreneurs faced in our federation. There were two other events on which we collaborated, including Young Entrepreneurship flex and Young Entrepreneurship flex 2. This collaboration was recognized by the EWC where an award was issued to us here in St. Kitts and Nevis for hosting the most events. In addition to this, we were introduced to the Cherie Blaire Foundation which has a mentorship-based program to assist entrepreneurs like myself to learn more about business management to better prepare for success.
Love the atmosphere and the energy from this charity. Mrs. Brandon is very energetic when it comes to helping young people. Working with this charity has shown me what it takes to succeed and to never give up. The knowledge and expertise is very good
I have been connected to CoESL via its administrative role with Climate Launch Pad and Entrepreneurs World Cup. As a participant I have found them to be supportive. They have been encouraging. They have provided guidance at all times. Been respobsive promptly. They made being a competitor very painless.
I attended a trade show hosted by them, and it was very well attended, unfortunately I was so busy speaking to people about our products I didn’t get a chance to network with other vendors as much as I wanted to , but it opened my eyes to the endless opportunities. Speaking to some of the participants and the presenters was very enlightening, they have different views on how to go about diversifying one’s business as well as avenues for support and marketing.
Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods has been a lifeline for me building my business. The organization is true to its name, its a center of excellence with a network of well trained resourceful professionals that have equipped me with necessary tools to sustain my business. At the beginning of the pandemic they guided me in various ways that allowed me to pivot my business. My entrepreneurial journey would not be the same without them and I am proud to be associated with CoESL.
The Youth & Young Adults International Agency is a long-term partner of CoESL. We have worked together on many projects the recent being the Entrepreneurship World Cup Series. As a partner to CoESL we have access to a larger network in the Caribbean, receive more exposure for our work, and are definitely included within regional debates.
CoESL is a great organization that reaches beyond their country. They are inclusive, knowledgeable, visionaries, and aim to help others grow.
We hope tnat they will continue to receive assistance from others to help in their mission and vision.
The Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL) provided essential support to entrepreneurs, particularly young and female entrepreneurs during the pandemic period in Barbados. In the face of massive job losses brought on by pandemic period closures and restrictions their outreach, training and support services were pivotol in supporting the survival of and establishment of new small and micro enterprises.
Ms. Brandon openly and willingly shared these experiences with me during my research project examining the impact of the pandemic on women in Barbados.
Dr Brandon has been extremely engaging. She ensures that we are kept abreast with available opportunities and competitions. She also leads her support via mentorship and is EXTREMELY professional
The CoESL has developed a highly successful youth entrepreneurship program for Anguilla, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and BVI under the COSME program (a program for the development of SMEs in the OCTs - British and Dutch). The team assessed the youth entrepreneurship programs that are currently operational in these islands, find commonalities/links between the youth training programs of all five OCTs, and create a best practice model that can be used by all Caribbean OCTs. CoESL recommended an approach of introducing the Youth Entrepreneurship best practice to the wider informal education sector, creating an enabling environment with greater capacity to serve the overall OCT youth population.
I have been functioning in the capacity as a mentor with CoESL for a few years off and on. Dr. Marcia Brandon and her team are very hands on and practical both in the approach and delivery of the service they offer to entrepreneurs. They are passionate about shifting the mindsets of entrepreneurs about and towards business.
Grace Chambers
COESL has been instrumental in bringing Entrepreneurs together and creating opportunities for funding and development. This year I participated with them to find an outstanding Caribbean entrepreneur to represent the region in an International competition. They continue to provide opportunities for personal development grounded in Peace and Community. It is my honour to recommend them for this award!
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Dr. Brandon saw potential in me even when I didn't see it myself. Dr. Brandon has provided and created opportunities for me to showcase my non-traditional business in the area of alternative and complementary Health Care. As a result, I have been able to gain greater visibility and the business continues to grow. I am very grateful for Dr. Marcia Brandon and the COESL team.
From my introduction to the multiple discussions, I am impressed at the vast knowledge which was delivered in the most professional manner by Dr. Brandon and the team. I have seen firsthand the manner in the clients and their goals are addressed and saw great end results with persons persuing excellence under her guidance. Dr. Brandon's passion for what she does is exemplified by her many involvements with various international and multinational organizations especially where it involves the empowerment of women.
Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL) has been a tremendous support for entrepreneurs such as myself(Gillmar Designs) for years. They are a huge resource and I would recommend COESL to any person who wants to get into business or take their business to the next level.
CoESL through a partnership with GenGlobal, as able to facilitate the first regional staging of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) Competition for 17 participating territories. The experience not only enhanced the visibility of Caribbean Entrepreneurs on the world stage, but gave the competitors an opportunity to further develop their business ideas and develop regional and global networks. Without the support of CoESL, I would not have had made it into the finals. As a female entrepreneur, this is especially significant. I whole-heartedly support the work of CoESL since they are filling a much needed gap in the entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods ecosystem.
As legal advisor to the ACP Civil Society Forum I also advice the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL) on ACP EU Agreements, the Post Cotonou Agreement and the role of stakeholders among which CoESL. CoESL is an active and import Caribbean Centre of Excellence of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial people as social entrepreneurs, NGOs and policy makers, connecting people, finding markets, sharing knowledge, developing models, innovation, project management, operations management, opening doors. The work of CoESL deserves more attention in and outside the Caribbean. Joyce Naar LLM, Global Legal Advisor ACP Civil Society Forum
The Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods is a partner of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages as Businesses and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean chapter and has been appointed our partner representative in the eastern Caribbean as they have done outstanding projects and made an impact on several communities in the Caribbean. They are supporting our mission in partnership with our Caribbean Diaspora partner Making Connections Work UK of TRANSFORMING local communities. Their Managing Director Dr Marcia Brandon is a dynamic and outstanding leader and is one of our main Consultants for community tourism entrepreneurship
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CoESL's CEO Dr. Marcia Brandon is a valuable entrepreneurship partner for the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages as Businesses and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean who has assisted us with the further development of our Countrystyle Villages as Businesses throughout the Caribbean and more recently in Barbados with the development of the Barbados Community Tourism Network. This organization is a dynamic one and we look forward to their continued partnership with community tourism.
I have had the chance to work with Dr. Marcia Brandon for several years already, and it's always been a pleasure collaborating with her in many important youth entrepreneurship programs together.
Her and her team have always demonstrated professionalism, great teamwork, and a tremendous inspiration and leadership for the young people who participate and benefit from their programs.
Unfortunately I do not consider COESL a charity. As a non-profit I understand their need to cover expenses and be financially agile enough to deal with emergencies. Over the years I have invested in the mission of COESL by contributing 100% of my daily fees to any of their efforts supporting Livelihoods. Steve Maximay, Mg. Dir., Science-Based initiatives
coesl 10/25/2021
Thank you so much Steve for all your support and guidance over the years.
CoESL continues to be a beacon within the Caribbean Region. Under Dr. Marcia Brandon's leadership, we have seen a sustainable organization come to the fore in the midst of this COvid-19 pandemic and lead several initiatives to help other NGO's and citizens across the region. Their assistance has helped many beneficiaries and we are very grateful to be a part of COESL, especially at a time like this.
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COESL continues to be a regional pioneer in helping to build capacity, develop entrepreneurs, build connections and multilateral partners globally while setting a great example with their innovative 'Complementary Capitalism" model.
It has been a great working relationship all these years and we look forward to continuing support and growing as we move forward.
I've been able to benefit greatly from the work and contributions this organization makes in the development of Caribbean entrepreneur. I am thankful for their commitment to entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.
I've been a partner with COESL for over the last 8 years . What an awesome experience it has been from the very beginning my life has been transformed in the most positive way! My mindset has shifted and i now operate as the true innovator i am. Walking in total abundance that is Life and Entrepreneurship. Thank you COESL for pivoting my life in the right direction!
I’ve had the opportunity to learn about and engage with the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL) through my work as Communications Officer of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C). COESL became a Partner of the GWP-C in 2019 and has been very active ever since.
Their willingness to partner, collaborate and lend support in working towards helping Caribbean youth and adults through entrepreneurship cannot go unnoticed. COESL’s ongoing readiness to work with other organisations and individuals to increase capacity across sectors in the Caribbean stands out to me.
One specific example, relates to my interactions and communication with COESL’s Managing Director, Dr. Marcia Brandon. Last year (2019) around the time that COESL had just become a Partner of the GWP-C, I approached her to be a judge in one of our new initiatives called “The Young Caribbean Water Entrepreneurs Shark Tank Competition” (https://bit.ly/3037h8h & https://bit.ly/3mJ25js). A competition that seeks to provide a unique opportunity for young persons from the Caribbean between the ages of 18 to 34 years, to pitch innovative and impactful water project ideas to support better water resources management in their community, country or the Caribbean region. Dr. Brandon, without hesitation, gave of her time in being one of our judges, responsible for reviewing the various project proposals submitted in the competition from young people across the region. This stood out to me, as well as her passion for her work through COESL. Not to mention, her being a great female leader!
Apart from this, COESL is an organisation that demonstrates and exemplifies the power of engagement and capacity building of Caribbean youth in various areas such as entrepreneurship which is critical to any economy and plays a huge role in sustainable development. The organisation’s passion to be innovative, to empower, strive for gender-balance in their work, promote collaboration and partnership, resource mobilisation and improve the livelihoods of people/communities is truly valuable and distinct. Their work in the region is certainly admirable. Moreover, the organisation’s readiness to collaborate and partner for the genuine enhancement of Caribbean people, is something that the world should know more about!
Working with Dr. Brandon is always a pleasure. COESL ensures that work is done with excellence and in a timely manner.
Karen Philip
Caribbean Policy Development Centre
COESL has and continues to be a tower of strength for us at Constructive Solutions Inc. As their Approved PRefered Partner, whats stands out most for us is the consistency and resilience in how COESL has been able to make connections and build networks globally. This strategy has helped to open the doors to many opportunities and with reciprocity, it has been a great way of building and growing through their Complenetary Capitalism model. We look forward to a continued partnership with COESL. Keep up the great work...
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We have been recently introduced to COESL, however they have been very instrumental in the past months of helping to create our social enterprise, has offered consultation, guidance, and has been helping us to build connections. We see that this would continue to be a productive and prosperous multilateral partnership.
COESL has partnered with our nonprofit many times. First, to help us get off the ground, coordinating our launch event and helping with many of the tasks associated, ensuring the event was a success. Then COESL helped us to distribute food and supplies to over 30 families in Barbados. COESL helped us to accomplish so much during a little more than a year we have worked with the organisation, reaching out to their vast network of contacts, coordinating and leading initiatives, and working with dedication to enrich the lives of women, always going over and above what is asked. I haven't found out what Marcia cannot do. She is a janet-of-all-trades and a great mentor and friend!
My experience with this organization was professional, thorough and consistent.
At each stage of the project there was constant communication, open feedback and insight to ensure expectations and deliverables were met.
The fact that appreciation is given to those who also support the process through finding key resources and personnel is an added value of this entity.
It would be a pleasure to partner with them again and the scope of work they do.
Great leadership and camaraderie. Dr. Marcia Brandon has done well to put CoESL on the map. I had the pleasure of being part of the Green Knowledge Fair which was hosted the UNDP and managed by CoESL a few years ago. I have also worked with the NGO in other capacities and it has also been a great experience.
~ Aisha A. King T.A.L.E.N.T
My company Goldenmedia delivers entrepreneurial training and support to Caribbeanpreneurs. Dr. Marcia Brandon has been the leading voice in Caribbean entrepreneurship for more than two decades and she and her team at COESL remain strong advocates for developing the sector on the individual and institutional level.
She is a generous mentor and it has been a pleasure to collaborate on projects which have enabled me to fulfill my goal of supporting female entrepreneurs across the region.
Very impactful and dynamic organisation who has contributed to sustainability and empowerment across the Caribbean. I have partnered with Dr Brandon on several developmental projects and they have all been impactful in more ways than one.
As an independent consultant with over 15 years experience, I worked on two projects recently with CoESL in the Caribbean. As I did not have the expertise to deliver on these projects solo, Dr. Marcia Brandon and her team of CoESL were hired to focus on the deliverables for the clients - one a NGO in Barbados and the other an Export Development executing work in Jamaica on behalf of the CARICOM countries. CoESL delivered on time, within budget and and received the highest rating of client satisfaction. I would recommend working with CoESL and I hope that I get the opportunity to partner with them or hire them for work again in the future.
This non-profit was established to assist young entrepreneurs in growing their businesses no matter the area of business they wanted to pursue. The CoESL, headed by Dr. Marcia Brandon continues to transform the lives of young entrepreneurs with limited financial resources and the help of technical assistance through its mentor-ship programme.
Nonprofit Tech for Good worked with CoESL on a research and it is clear they are well-connected in the region and doing amazing work with entrepreneurs on the ground throughout the Caribbean.
Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods has been making great changes/development within the Caribbean in regards to building and sustaining entrepreneurship. I have the first-hand experience where I received guidance, financial support and amazing networking and travel opportunities. Thanks, Dr Brandon for doing an amazing job so effortlessly; Grenada appreciate your time, endurance, patience and support throughout the years! Cheers!
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The CoESL has been a constant support to us. The Centre collaborated with my company in helping entrepreneurs in Guyana build an ecosystem. An exercise that was well received and valued by the participants. Dr. Brandon is always willing to assist in the most authentic and sincere manner - a true champion for building entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Caribbean and Globally. A true gift to our Caribbean!
Great Non Profits are products of Great innovators, people with the ability to transform people, cities, nations, continents and of course this Earth.
COESL – Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods is force to be reckoned with stretching over ten countries in the Caribbean it's ability to bring people of equal mindsets together is simply amazing. Grenada has benefitted from it's partnership with COESL since 2012, helping hundreds of young and seasoned entrepreneurs through Mentorship, Training, Capacity building, Cross Border connections, market exposure and the list goes on. We Dynamic Youth of Grenada Business Hub endorse COESL as a Great Non Profit that truly changes lives and continues to create impact throughout the Caribbean region.
CoESL continues to provide exceptional support to persons such as myself, as the founder of Red Diamond Compost, that are building enterprises and livelihoods the aim to improve their community and environment. With a dedication and commitment to the cause like no other and going above and beyond to uplift and develop the lives of its clients. Working together successfully over the past 5 years has allowed us to strengthen our business and personal development through various entrepreneurship competitions and workshops and have gained great national, regional and international exposure for our efforts. This and even greater experiences we hope to help CoESL bring to more communities across the Caribbean for many generations to come.
[pictured] Founder CoESL Dr. Marcia Brandon(center) with Team Red Diamond Compost - winners of the Climate Launchpad Barbados Nationals 2019
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This has been approximately 4 years since I first made contact with CoESL and I must say that in those years of starting and building my business to the level it is at today has been through the efforts and support of CoESL and Dr. Marcia Brandon.
She was the only one that could see the vision I had for Red Diamond Compost at that early stage and provided the opportunities for me to access the training and technical assistance I needed to get through those extremely difficult budding stages. From my participation in the Call-to-Action Caribbean Start-up Bootcamp, as well as the GreenTech Start-up Bootcamp. From this I was able to advance to the Accelerator program of the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre where I was awarded a grant to advance my business.
There are so many more opportunities that I have been able to leverage through CoESL and I'm an avid supporter to where anytime I am called, I take the opportunity for me to contribute, through training, motivational speaking, educating, as well as promoting CoESL. Dr. Brandon is working hard to create so many more opportunities for the young children and entrepreneurs across the region. I am hoping that very soon CoESL can acquire the funding necessary to take this region to the next stage of innovation and creating many more sustainable livelihoods.
Being a partner of CoESL has been a rewarding experience for the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center, a non-government organization based in Antigua and Barbuda under the auspices of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. As the former retired Executive Director of the GARD Center, I take great pleasure in praising the work of CoESL. Under the leadership of Dr, Marcia Brandon, CoESL has developed over the years a diverse network of organizations and other types of invaluable contacts that has empowered the partners with training opportunities, exchange trips, technical support and funding. CoESL has brought NGOs who are focusing on entrepreneurship in the Region, the opportunities to share expertise and lesson learnt which has been vital in this global environment where competition for resources has been difficult for our small island states. CoESL has continued to encourage regional collaborative efforts amongst the partners which is highly commendable and I extend my congratulations to Dr. Brandon and her team for their commitment and passion in helping our organizations excel in our work.
The Caribbean Center of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihood have played a significant role in supporting Trifinity Solutions a digital media company in the fight to reduce youth unemployment and poverty in Guyana.
They have provided mentorship and education opportunities thus far which is supporting us to create more reach and impacting our audience in the area of innovation, creation and business development.
Our ideas on the Entrepreneur ecosystem and support over the past 4 years are now being realized by the wider community. We are now ready to launch the digital ecosystem in Guyana.
I have been fortunate to have Dr Brandon of CoESL as my mentor and have benefited immensely from her entrepreneural insights. My maternity fashion business is currently employing others and I believe more businesses from Africa could benefit from this kind of collaboration if Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods is supported.
I can describe CoESL as an organisation that has a heart for the Caribbean aspecially when it comes to entrepreneurship. Dr. Marcia and her team has been developing this eco community within the Caribbean by opening up new development doors for entrepreneurs and by encouraging us to cooperate as much as possible.
As owner of a greentech business in Suriname ( Caribbean/ South America) , Dr. Marcia has opened up doors for us towards the Caribbean by linking us with various organisations throughout the region and by involving us in her various activities and were possible she has endorsed us.
CoESL is one of the main team players when it comes to connecting and developing MSME Sector within the region in a sustainable manner.
We need to keep supporting Dr. Marcia and her team at CoESL as they are pushing our region to cooperate and collaborate as much as possible in reaching our individual sustainable goals .
Orlando and Hannah Olmberg
Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL) has been dedicated to Caribbean Entrepreneurs for years and provides a platfrom for them to develop into their true potential
As a Global Solutionist, I have worked with human and entrepreneurial development entities across the United States, Canada, Africa, South America, Europe and the Caribbean. During this 25+ years, I have yet to encounter an organization that rivals the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods based in Barbados. Under the leadership of Dr. Marcia Brandon, its Chief Entrepreneurial Expert, this organization is building individual, team and organizational capacity around the world.
Entrepreneurs interested in launching, scaling, tapping into the United States or other global markets, creating a social enterprise, or in need of a host of other business capacity building services can call upon Brandon and her team and they will receive tools, tactics and ongoing support as they pursue organizational and/or business goals. Additionally, other services offered include leadership development, planning, business model development, talent management, process management, operational management, data collection and analysis, monitoring and evaluation, quality performance management, and design of youth entrepreneurship programs.
This organization works with a spirit of excellence, employs collaborative and collective impact strategies, celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. The presentations, workshops, and consulting services provided by this organization are always stellar, highly engaging, and provide replicable information.
I am impressed by the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL)'s use of best practice models which serve as the organization's framework for service and program execution. Most impressive is COESL's indigenous model of Complementary Capitalism that Brandon and her team crafted.
This organization is indeed value-added and a resource for organizations in all sectors globally. (Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe)
Most valuable asset of any organisation is it's people.
I know dr Marcia for 10 years and she was always different - close and friendly, open visionary, dedicated to higher goals by helping those in local community but also globally. Involved and engaged. Modest. Recognizing potentials, motivating to success.
Always going forward, more to accomplish.
Great mentor!
I believe that anyone who knows her, works with her of learns from Marcia has endless possibilities to grow and achieve results.
Entrepreneurship is in her heart, mind and actions.
I am honoured to know her.
Katarina Jagic
Mentor Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean
Ambassadress in Croatia of World Union of Small and Medium Entreprises
Alumni Mentor Cherrie Blair Foundation for Women
Great organization that does amazing work! We have partnered with CoESL for several years, and they are excellent to work with.
In my home country we have a saying "wi likkle but we tallawah"; this means something or someone punching above its weight. This saying exactly describes CoESL - so small but has a large impact.
This organisation walks its talk. CoESL and its founder Dr. Marcia Brandon are all about the entrepreneurial mindset and it is shown in everything they do. Problem-solving, determination, innovation, seeing opportunities where others see barriers or challenges - that is the CoESL way. Yet with all of that, there is a humility and willingness to share its knowledge.
If you believe in a scarcity mindset and that is impossible for people to work together, I invite you to reach out to Dr. Brandon and learn about her "Complementary Capitalism" concept!
I attended COESL's Entrepreneurial conference in Grenada four years ago, it was at this conference that I decided to move my business idea from concept to reality. Furthermore, as a facilitator of the entrepreneurship component of the Youth Agri-preneurship Incubator Programme COESL provided the theoretical and practical framework I needed to develop my business idea. I was also afforded the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and the support I receive from this organisation continues in the form of mentorship.
Hello everyone.I am so please to be associated with this unique organisation over the past years.Through this organisation i have seen youth in my country expose their products and themselves as young entrepreneurs around the region.This organisation has position itself as the platform for you development .Entrepreneurs like Gordon hunt (Fudge), Melisa ( deals with the production of pepper sauce are just two notable entrepreneurs who would have participated at youth conference and capitalize and are growing stronger. In addition it is through this platform students from private school institution ( Chase Academic Foundation,Morgan Learning Centre and Business School) were expose to recognizing entrepreneurship as a viable career choice. These Institutions are now offering at the CAPE Level Entrepreneurship studies,in addition every year there participate in an activity during the week of Caribbean and global entrepreneurship week.
Regards
Daren Torrington
Founder and Executive Director
Guyana Entrepreneurial Youth Movement
Over the past two years I have had the previledge and honor of working on various projects with the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL). When I think of CoESL and it's Managing Director, Dr. Marcia Brandon, the words that come to mind are integrity, principles, and a tireless work ethic.
I have always found it remarkable and admirable that even with limited resources and various challenges, CoESL would always find ways to extend it's expertise and resources in helping others to realize their dreams.
In one project which I brought to CoESL for assistance, (The Helping Hand Campaign), CoESL went above and beyond in it's support of this worthy cause. The Helping Hand Campaign involves raising funds to purchase prosthetic hands for a young woman, Jasciene Greenfield, who was brutally attacked with a machete by her estranged husband. In the violent and terrifying assault, Jasciene Greenfield lost both of her hands.
CoESL has embraced this project and today continues to spearhead the effort to obtain prosthetic limbs for Jasciene Greenfield. This is just one of the many examples of CoESL's tireless work to help others and I am truly honored to be a part of this organization that is making a difference in the lives of many people.
Please see the pictures and videos below for more information about the Helping Hand Campaign and the role CoESL play in raising funds for Ms. Greenfield.
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During the past year I have had the pleasure of joining and working with CoESL as a regional partner in Jamaica. Working with this NGO has allowed me to see and fully understand the challenges we face in stimulating economic growth in the Caribbean region.
I have come to respect and appreciate CoESL's primary mission and focus in the development, growth, and encouragement of young entrepreneurs. CoESL believe that helping young people to develop and promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), will stimulate economic growth which in turn will lead to job creation and build wealth in our region.
To accomplish its goal of regional economic growth, CoESL has developed and organized aggressive enterpreneurial programmes and services geared to equip people with the skills, technical know-how, and connections they need to create sustainable livelihoods.
I have been privileged to work with CoESL as a mentor helping young people in research, financial literacy, networking and business planning. Being a part of this nonprofit organization working in the Caribbean region is very satisfying because this force for good has the potential to positively impact the social and economic conditions in the Caribbean region.
CoESL leadership, led by Dr. Marcia Brandon, has worked tirelessly to foster the growth of entreprenuers in the region by hosting many training workshops, developmental projects and conferences. CoESL also work closely with many individual partners and organizations to impliment strategies and programs to help young people with the resources they need to develop sustainable livelihoods.
My experience with the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL) has been one of personal growth and professional fulfillment. Partnering with CoESL on several initiatives provided an avenue for agri entrepreneurs in Barbados to have a voice regionally and to be inspired made me see the importance of the NGO in planting seeds of encouragement. In particular, to inspire and give hope to our future leaders that they can believe in themselves to accomplish great things. I know that the work Dr Brandon has done regionally is immeasurable through CoESL and its partners. Many youths have developed business in various sectors and contributed to the economic development of our CARICOM nations. CoESL has truly been a driving force in creating excellence and driving sustainable livelihoods across the region.
Since CoESL inception I have benefited from the mentorship programme. I have been thought life skills, business management techniques and financial management. Though I live and operate in Jamaica I always feel close to them. Totally professional staff who genuinely cares for future of the Caribbean.
Dr. Brandon is a dedicated social entrepreneur, and facilitator of entrepreneur capacity development; she is firm in her commitment to strengthen the capacity of youth entrepreneurs. Through CoESL she plays an outstanding role in connecting young and new entrepreneurs in the Eastern Caribbean to up-to-date knowledge, practice, and how-to for starting and growing their businesses, and for taking on the journey of sustainable livelihood.
She did not hesitate when we invited her to collaborate us and The Caribbean Camera for bringing the voices of and showcasing Caribbean Entrepreneurs in Canada during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2017 (Entrepreneurs were featured in “Views on News” in The Caribbean Camera for the first time). She also provided a rich interview on the DNA of the Caribbean entrepreneur in an effort to help young entrepreneurs of Caribbean roots in Canada to better understand their entrepreneurship DNA.
Beyond social entrepreneurship CoESL is dedicated to the growth of businesses in the Region, and brought to the attention of Magate Wildhorse Ltd a call for proposal for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Lead Generation Services by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (For the Region’s first Outsource to the Caribbean Conference); and for which we wrote the winning proposal. It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Brandon and CoESL on that project.
That CoESL and Marcia have mobilized and served as ambassador and leader in strengthening the capacity of entrepreneurs and the formation of businesses, and new business support professionals in the region is unquestionable. From conferences, workshops, trainings, to Global Entrepreneur Network programmes they have been a mover and shaker providing capacity building, rallying, and connecting entrepreneurs. The Caribbean Global Entrepreneurship Week represents just one of the initiatives that CoESL and Dr. Brandon leads for making entrepreneurship desirable in the region. I look forward to seeing the continuation of the work of CoESL and Dr. Brandon.
I am Meegan Scott.
CoESL is a very dynamic organization with it goal to assist in the development of its ecosytem in and around the Caribbean as well as internationally. Its role is of the view that the services offered will ensure that no one is left behind and hence the support given aids other organizations to capitalize and partner is doing the same.
I have partnered with COESL since 2014, through a local organization – Dynamic Youth of Grenada Business Hub (DYGBH). Special, thanks to Dr Brandon and the COESL team who saw potential in me and the business I represent, Info Pursuit. This organization has granted me the opportunity to travel to various parts of the world where I met business professionals and entrepreneurs, who shared their inspiring story, gave sound tips for business improvement and motivation to succeed. I was also able to plan professional development events on their behalf, develop my networking skills and most importantly they provided me with key tools to enhance my business as a young entrepreneur.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunities, advice and knowledge this noble institution is doing for the Caribbean Region through entrepreneurship.
Working with Dr. Brandon and COESL has been a worthwhile and rewarding collaboration, building capacity and energizing the Caribbean ecosystem in the Clean GreenTech field.
COESL is full of great people at all levels making a positive impact, not just in Barbados but the Caribbean region at large. COESL is an ambitious and energetic company serving entrepreneurs at all levels. One of the strength of COESL is that the management will always try to listen to the needs of an entrepreneur and will go the extra mile to find a solution for the same.
Dr. Brandon and COESL is relentless to say the least working with enablers and entrepreneurs alike providing continues support, mentorship and business development for the scalability and growth of these MSMEs and SMEs.
I have been partnering with the CoESL for just over two years and my experience with them has been very rewarding. The organization has definitely taken on the personality and character of its leader, Dr. Marcia Brandon, one of the most hard working, passionate and experienced professionals I have had the privilege of working with. CoESL specializes in mentorship, training, hosting of conferences and workshops and many other activities, always producing a high quality product and event. CoESL is definitely a transformational, regional nonprofit positively impacting the lives of young people throughout the Caribbean.
My name is Andrea Farrell and I was introduced to the Caribbean Center of Exellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL) in the early of 2017 while doing a entrepreneurship program. At the beginning of the program I was assigned to (COESL) a hub assigned and dedicated to providing mentoring and guidance to those who successfully made it into the program. I am pleased with the reception I received, results and the detailed help I received from Dr.Marcia Brandon. She try's to get too know you first with a detailed exercise too weigh your weakness verses your strengths and helps you build on those areas. Dr.Brandon has also gone as far as helping me to network with some international business owners who have established businesses in the area I am focusing on and she continues to work and encourage me even after the entrepreneurship program had finished. I would recommend the (COESL) non-profit organization to any one who seriously needs guidance in any endeavor they want to pursue. This guidance is from an expertise with over twenty years experience in sustainable livelihoods.
CoESL founder and managing director cares about youth to the point of investing in initiatives that build their independence. the Caribbean's youth are bright and talented, but most are focused on finding jobs in a challenging economy. Many want to start their own business but need guidance to do this; CoeSL engages them and build their capacity to take on their dream. That makes it a great organisation. We can never give up on our children, I am happy COeSL isn't.
In 2014, I partnered with CoESL on a Global Entrepreneurship project. That activity focused on the recognition of women and Youth entrepreneurs. The project was two parts project:
1. A branch where we brought these entrepreneurs together an helped motivate and encourage them in their form of business. They shared experiences and exhibited their products
2. We were able to secure trainers from Scotia Bank and the Ministry of Commerce as well as the Small Enterprise Development Unit to conduct a one-day business workshop.
This activity would not have been possible without CoESL's intervention and support. As CoESEL's St. Lucia I am more than satisfying with the support which is provided to me as an entrepreneur and also my national organization for youth and women we are involved in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
I had the pleasure working with the CoESL coordinator in collaboration with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce on a project which would change the life of a budding young artiste in Barbados.
This experience in coaching and mentoring the young man was very rewarding and exciting the young artiste did very well after the training that he received. He has expanded his business, in his community and by extension his Island Barbados. The services that he offers now assist in changing the lives of other persons in his Island.
Working with COESL from 2009 for Constructive Solutions Inc. has been a great experience. We have had the opportunity to develop our social enterprise and partnership building capacities.
COESL model of “no man left behind” has been seen throughout our relationship, as we have been able to benefit and share in many substantial ways inclusive:
1. Connection to multiple networks & Resources
2. Mentorship, Training and Monitoring
3. Accreditation as an Implementing partner
4. Recipient of several Regional and global awards
5. Being able to share the model with other developing entrepreneurs and potential employees.
Social enterprises like COESl are essential social support system in helping citizens achieve sustainable livelihoods via entrepreneurship development. It has been able to position itself as not merely a talker but a doer.
Dr. Brandon has undoubtable been a tower of strength for many of us and not just myself but for all entrepreneurs we represent within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the region and the world.
We are well pleased with the management of COESl so skillfully lead by Dr. Marcia Brandon Ambassador, and we look forward to a continuous, collaborative and rewarding working relationship.
CoESL with the able stewardship of Dr Marcia Brandon continues to be a blessing to the Caribbean Region. CoESL continues to succeed in seeking out, securing, managing and effecticely delivering projects that impact entrepreneurs Regionally. Many are young people receiving their first real exposure to entrepreneurship because of CoESL' s efforts. Their impact and reach is without question and many will attest that their launch into business or social entrepreneurship can be attributed to the steady guidance that CoESL so generously gives. May they continue to empower lives and in some instances, save lives throughout the Region.
CoESL is an organisation staffed with people who care about entrepreneurs in a holistic sense. The focus is not just on training skills but on empowering people to be and do the best they can within the scope of their realities.
I had the honor of participating in the APP Youth in Agriculture Business Forum, hosted in Grenada earlier this year.
I vividly recall a very interactive session on 'Starting a successful YIA Business, facilitated by Dr. Marcia Brandon, Managing Director, Caribbean Center of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods. I was really impressed with the wealth of information that she shared...
I must admit though, that the next thing that stood out to me, was the name of the organization.
'sustainable livelihoods' is focal area that is promoted at a levels of sustainable development, in our region, and many other places globally. I needed to know more. What does the CoESL do!? I soon found out. Which leads to the third thing that stood out:
CoESL through the leadership of Dr. Brandon, has a strong motto: 'Developing the Regions Entrepreneurial Resilient Citizens".
This is a great thing, which I found quite impressive and very inspiring. So following the session I did some research about the organization; objectives, targets, accomplishments and leadership. This is what I realized... which is the fourth thing:
CoESL is a champion in business mentoring and entrepreneurship knowledge transfer in the Caribbean. They have developed several learning programmes, partnered with other institutions, including NGO's to equip persons with successful business management skills, start-up and other necessary tools.
For a deeper understanding, I now invite you to follow the Caribbean Entrepreneurship Challenge 2016! where a group of semi-finalist are developing business plans with their mentors...
There is focus on leadership, skills training, access to finance and innovation among other areas of sustainable development. Lets wish them all the best throughout the next stage!
One things for sure, I would definitely like to see more of the CoESL in my country.
On another note, I feel very honored to learn about the CoESL's work in the region and be able to share this with others.
This organization is wonderful, the focus and attention they put in to entrepreneurs and the sustainability of persons are outside the norm, and by that they have become successful in what they do, this organization is a one of a kinda, thanks to the wonderful leadership of Mrs. Brandon and her team.
Fantastic! Just the type of organisation that the business sector needs. Flexible, knowledgeable and caring. They are always thinking outside of the box to help businesses to grow. I like that.