Prevo Cinemall: Continuing to help entrepreneurs flourish

An almost thirty-year-old enterprise, which has solidified its presence and purpose in the heart of Roseau, is staying true to its mission of providing variety to the public while helping entrepreneurs get firsthand experience in the business world.

Prevo Cinemall, which opened its doors on 18th December 1994, has gone through its fair share of changes in the past almost three decades, yet has always catered to the tastes of locals and visitors through its shopping and dining, along with a wide array of amenities and facilities to include office spaces, conference rooms, and the island's only operating movie theatre.

The company, committed to its corporate mission, has welcomed four new enterprises onto the compound to help these small businesses solidify and grow their presence in Dominica.

General Manager of Prevo Cinemall, Vanessa Prevost, told The Sun these companies align with Cinemall's view of providing diversity to the public.

"The verandah restaurant will now be Tropical Blendz Café," Prevost said. "There is also Expo Novelty, specializing in items – jewellery, health care, beauty products, etc - from Colombia. We now have a nails and beauty area called Miranda's Nail Gallery and MJS Barber Shop, and GoCargo, a shipping consolidation company, now has a depot at the Mall."

The Youth Emergency Action Committee (YEAC), an NGO that trains young people in emergency response and post-disaster recovery, also has its office at the Prevo Cinemall.

Ms. Prevost says this move benefits the entrepreneurs by providing greater exposure and foot traffic and benefits Cinemall and the wider Dominican public.

"For many years, the Prevo Cinemall has provided diverse offerings to the public," she added. "Currently, we have three restaurants, a snackette, offices, a department store, Shine Union, a sports trophy shop, a book store, and a supermarket, Toutes Connexion. Along with these, the Mall also has a ballroom for hosting conferences, meetings, birthday parties, dinners and other social events. So, with the opening of these new businesses, it helps complete that service to the public."

In her time as general manager, Vanessa has witnessed the topographical shifts in the entrepreneurial landscape in Dominica. She is proud that Cinemall can play its part in helping local proprietors to thrive.

"Having a variety of spaces allows us to nurture several small businesses. Many people are entrepreneurial-minded in Dominica and can start small, establish customers, and grow. Despite the tough economy in Dominica and worldwide, people are still interested in opening businesses, finding ways to develop their ideas, and employing people," Prevost said.

Vanessa clarified that Cinemall is not solely focused on financial returns and profits but helps other groups and organizations reach their goals by hosting pro bono events.

"Prevo Cinemall takes its corporate social responsibility seriously," she said. "It is not all about the money; we also contribute to social enterprise. The sidewalk area is used by a variety of groups – Girl Guides, churches, service clubs etc- for fundraising events and other promotional activities. The Mall also gives a special reduced rate to service clubs like Rotary, Lions, Jaycees and NGOs for their events. We want to see Dominica and Roseau develop into a comfortable place where there is something for everybody."

Prevost shared that among the plans for the company is the revival of Sports Block, a monthly event showcasing the various sports groups and clubs from around the island.