The GARD Center is building its capacity to become a premier service provider for youth entrepreneurs. Many of these young people cannot access funds through local banks and are in need of guidance as they navigate the process of setting up their businesses. The GARD Center’s Business Development Unit (BDU), is now located at GARD Center’s headquarters, Mercers Creek, St. Peter, east of Pares Village.  The BDU offers mentorship, guidance and most importantly access to funding.
 
Generous contributions from one of the Center’s regional partners, CIBC – First Caribbean International Bank, has made it possible for this loan fund to be expanded as well as providing support for other BDU Office activities and programs.
 
The European Union is the Center’s major international partner responsible for assistance to launch the new Business Development Unit and provide the needed staffing.