In an effort to develop and support the handicraft industry, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation offers different types of assistance to persons interested or involved in the art of handicraft making. Whether they are interested in it as a hobby or a profession, these persons can access handicraft skills and even marketing training, and booth rental for the purposes of selling the craft. Some of the skills training offered include, but are not limited to the following crafts.

• Shell Craft Fabrication and Training.
• Coconut Craft Fabrication and Training.
• Sisal Craft Fabrication and Training.
• Batik / Tie-dye Training.

Please note that the training runs continuously throughout the year, and is usually executed during a 10 day period.  Also noteworthy is that due to resource constraints, applications are handled on a first come first served basis.

Interested persons must be Bahamian nationals or have permanent resident status here in The Bahamas. In the case of persons interested in booth rentals, their products must also be uniquely Bahamian.

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Attach to supporting documents.
3. Submit all of the necessary documentation to the Handicraft Department of the BAIC.

Please note that whilst the online Training Application / Registration form may be emailed to handicraft@baic.gov.bs, all of the documents must be submitted in hard copy format.

Training Application / Registration Form (the form can be collected at the offices of the BAIC).

• Proof of Bahamian Nationality / Permanent Resident Status (Passport).
• Business Licence (existing business persons).
• Vendor’s Permit (existing vendors).

There is a non-refundable administrative charge of BS$100.00 on New Providence. On all other Family Islands, persons are required to pay a BS$50.00 non-refundable administrative fee.  Please note that these amounts are exclusive of any training material that may be required. This fee is payable via cash or certified cheque to the Treasury.

Any of the BAIC’s offices outlined below.  Please note that persons who live on islands where there is no BAIC location may contact any of the others to receive training there.  In the event of there being a group of a minimum of 15 interested persons on the other Family Islands, you should contact the Nassau office to request training be facilitated locally on your island.

New Providence
Corporate Office
East Bay Street
P.O. Box N-4940
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 322-3740/3
Fax. (242) 322-2123
E-mail: nassau@baic.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Abaco
BAIC Office
Marsh Harbour
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-0066
Fax. (242) 367-0067
E-mail: abaco@baic.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Eleuthera
BAIC Office
Hatchet Bay
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 335-0416
Fax. (242) 335-0420
E-mail: eleuthera@baic.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Grand Bahama
BAIC Office
Freeport
Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 352-1888
Fax. (242) 351-2235
E-mail: freeport@baic.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Andros
BAIC Office
Nicholls Town
Andros
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 329-2833
Fax. (242) 329-2207
E-mail: andros@baic.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.