Caribbean nation to make global impact

Entrepreneur and businessman Sherwin G. Johnson says he is looking to help the world’s economy improve by $4 billion plus each year starting in 2024.

Johnson, a young entrepreneur who resides in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, says he plans on helping small and medium-sized businesses throughout the world position themselves globally and become a part of the options for travellers.

He said: “The world of travel has evolved, and we see the Airbnb culture beginning to take over where visitors want a streamlined and integrated cultural experience. What this means, for example, is that there are people who want to visit a local barber or a local worship session.”

With a little over 400 million small businesses throughout the world, Johnson says that impacting just one per cent of these businesses would prove fruitful for the local economies in which these businesses operate.

The Bahamas has some 70,000 registered businesses with approximately 7 million visitors annually. The idea is to position these businesses, which may not have the mega marketing bucks, to be a part of the option when visitors plan or decide where to eat, drink, have recreational fun, seek a product or look for services locally while on vacation.

Johnson says his platform marries Google, Airbnb, Yelp, and many other search or booking agents in one place. Business owners can list their rentals, cars or B&B, products, services, events, tickets, menus, etc. The end user can do everything in one place—book reservations for transportation, lodging, and meals, buy tickets for events, book services, buy products, and so much more.

Businesses sign up for a small fee of $10 per month and gain access to a backend office that doesn’t require any hardware or software upgrades. Everything happens all on the backend, either from a mobile device or a desktop or laptop. Companies can manage their bookings and reservations, speak with their potential customers directly, sell products, etc. Johnson said, “It’s whatever, wherever, whenever!”

“Our local economies will see tremendous impact through this platform because we are providing direct and efficient access”, Johnson said. He revealed that his overall goal is to influence and impact the economies of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the world which will inevitably impact the economies of the countries in which these businesses operate. “It may seem minuscule but a small business earning an extra $500 a week could be the difference between adding 1 new person to the employment line. The idea is to influence the people, their surroundings, and their communities”.

Johnson said he has reached out and made applications to agencies and government offices around the world who seek to empower their economies. “I’ve researched who the innovators are in regard to small and medium-sized businesses. Countries like Dubai, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States, and a few others would have gotten an email and/or phone call about my proposal. I have gotten 2 favorable responses so far but as with any proposal to agencies and government offices there are certain processes to follow so I am waiting for them to advise on the next steps.”