YOUTH ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVANCEMENT SCHEME 2023

The Youth Entrepreneurial Advancement Scheme 2023 was held at the Newton Community Centre from 17th July 2023 through 21st July 2023 and ran from 10am until 2pm daily, except for July 20th, 2023, when it finished at 12 noon as all Government buildings and offices closed for a state funeral.  There was then a one-week break where the participants worked on their business plans and pitch-for-funding presentations.  The pitches took place on 02nd August 2023 with the winner being announced during a small ceremony on 04th August 2023.  The winner was Ms Namayombo Mgonela of Namara’s Café.  She was awarded the full grant of EC$10,000.00 and this was paid directly to her on 04th August 2023 via bank transfer.
Financial prizes were also awarded to three other participants whose business plans and pitch-for-funding presentations impressed Brandy-Williams Limited and showed potential for growth and development.  Mr Shermar Moore of Moore Visuals was awarded EC$3000.00, Ms Shanice Allen of Eternal Academy of Excellence was awarded EC$2000.00 and Ms Shadisha Davis of Shadii’s Rootz to Tipz was awarded EC$1000.00.  The funds to Mr Shermar Moore will be paid on or before 31st August 2023, while Ms Shadisha Davis will receive her funds when she has sourced a location for her business and signed a lease / rental agreement, and Ms Shanice Allen will receive her funds at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year as requested and agreed during her pitch-for-funding presentation.
The Small Business Development Centre has also offered to provide ongoing support and mentorship to several participants to assist them in developing their skills and business further.  These participants are Ms Kronique Drew of Fantasy Photography, Ms Shadisha Davis of Shadii’s Rootz to Tipz, and Mr Shaqueed Benjamin of Red Rocket Records.  The participants have all been urged to be proactive and reach out to the Small Business Development Centre and inquire about further training sessions and other initiatives to help their small business grow.

Today was an awesome day again at the camp with the young people.  Immediately upon arriving at the camp this morning a large number of the young people ran up to us and started talking about the session the previous day and the conversation / debate that was had between the girls and the boys.  Some had very strong views and wanted to express them at that time as they felt the session the previous day was too short.

While we were waiting for the morning session to start, the young people and my team sat under the main tent and continued the conversation and I must say that the points they raised and debated back and forth was illuminating even for an adult of my 43 years!  It would have been good to have a full week with them!

The sessions for today was just as exciting and fulfilling as yesterday and again my team thoroughly enjoyed facilitating and delivering them.  The highlight of today was the musical chair competition between the camp volunteers and of course my team won 😊.

Everyone made us feel absolutely welcomed!

Pictures below of the fun