At the age of 29, Don Small, an artist, approached the Trust for assistance in undertaking his first art exhibition.  It was hard to evaluate the viability of such a venture in a country where many persons do not shop for art in a strategic way, the same they would for everyday necessities.  Nevertheless in undertaking this exhibition, Dan was declaring his intention to not just be an artist but to be an entrepreneur as well.

BYBT gladly helped and while the exhibition was not a success in terms of monetary gains, it was the launch of fame for the young entrepreneur.  Approximately 75 persons attended the launch.  In 2001, Dan was commissioned to Belize by that Government on his first out of country assignment to produce a sculpture for their Art Park.  According to Dan, " It was great exposure for me.  The opportunity to see different cultures at work helped me to create a vision for myself in the context of my own country and recognize and identify things that can be done in Barbados to create a tourism product."    

The young entrepreneur realizes that while he does not make a lot of money from art, he cites a turnover of Bd$15000.00 annually, he is very good at what he does and loves it as well.  Thus while people around him complain about being unhappy in their jobs he has no such burden.  His main reason for choosing his career is because he waned to be his own boss above all.  Nevertheless due to a slow cash flow Dan resorts to teaching art from time to time.

"Teaching art gives me the opportunity to see what is happening with the younger generation.  It allows me to share my experiences with them and for me to share their experiences as well".  Dan thinks that he makes a concerted effort to teach without prejudice and bias, not only showing the importance of art, but bringing a business perspective as well.  He revealed that art is the only subject where one can make money while going to school.  He has taught students up to CXC, the Caribbean's equivalent of GCE and up to degree level.  He has also been the subject of several interviews for CXC students preparing their theory paper.

While Dan is somewhat satisfied with where he is now, he is not totally satisfied.  One of his dreams is to own his very own Gallery and Studio space nestled in the greenry of St. Andrew, the beautiful parish where he was born and still lives. His dream has not died, so he continues to hope and dream and act when opportunities present themselves.  His plans are to produce more beautiful pieces of art, sell more and structure his business in a more lucrative way.

From experience Dan notes that being in business is a lonely and not easy road.  While it is challenging, he intends to stick with it and succeed.  He lists his entrepreneurial characteristics as hardworking, confident, perseverant and visionary.  BYBT agrees with him and adds integrity and honesty to the list.

While not technologically savvy, Dan has recently purchased a digital camera which he says can aid in teaching and also carries a feature which can be plugged into the television and display a few of his paintings for illustration.  In the future he hopes to have a few of his paintings on the internet in a strategic way, so as to avoid copyright and pirating issues.

Since his first exhibition many moons ago, Dan has had approximately 4 other exhibitions so far.  In 2003 for the first time ever in Barbados, Dan showcased an exhibition of sculptures in Coral Stone, entitled "To the Limit," the exhibition ran from July 13-August 9^th at the Queen's Park Gallery in Barbados.   He displayed eighteen pieces, ranging from flowers, fauna, birds, figurative and fruits.  One piece was sold immediately to the Brazilian High Commissioner who attended the launch.  Again the exhibition was not a monetary success, however it was an innovation that further cemented his profile in the society as a talented and passionate young artist.  According to the Curator of the Gallery, "very few Barbadian sculptors mount exhibitions of their work in Barbados."

Stanley Greaves, his mentor and former lecturer notes, "As an Artist Dan is greatly stimulated by his working environment sited by trees, which is the fundamental way of the artist in any given age.  He provides his work with a sense of genuine feeling, he displays an artistic sense of humour and knows how to communicate with his work and source of inspiration".   

Dan has come a far way in his business.  He has participated in many exhibitions, apart from his solo ones.  He has also won many awards including The Karl Broodhagen Award for Sculpture in 2002,Gold Award NIFCA for Sculpture in 2002 and the BYBT Special Award in 2003.

His paintings and sculptures can be seen in the newly built Barbados Hilton Hotel, The Ministry of Education and several homes and offices, including the BYBT.

According to Dan, "BYBT's unstinting and sincere interest in and support for their young entrepreneurs can only lead to building strong social capital, survival of small businesses, better loan repayments and new businesses seeking support from BYBT.  I am so sorry I will not be able to garner financial support from BYBT forever.  The support I have had from BYBT is the only positive support I have had in my business.  Through BYBT I have been exposed to training and development, marketing and networking opportunities, which have all had a profoundly positive impact on my life and business.  Because of BYBT's assistance I have been able to purchase equipment and participate in many Art Exhibitions. BYBT also helped me with grant funding for many of my business projects".