Wednesday, November 9, 2016 — In an effort to recognise and encourage entrepreneurship amongst youth, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has launched the OECS 30 Under 30 campaign that seeks to identify young entrepreneurs making strides in the OECS.
Entrepreneurship is at the heart of Caribbean life, from the vendors in our villages and city centres, the numerous people with “side hustles”, to the regional Caribbean businesspersons. Entrepreneurship is woven throughout our economies and our lives.
The OECS 30 Under 30 initiative will recognise 30 young entrepreneurs, under the age of 30, as examples of youth success in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs can be from any discipline/industry including, but not limited to, Art & Fashion Design, Business, Technology, Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Social Development, and Entertainment.
Aside from the kudos of being chosen within the 30 Under 30 cohort, these young individuals will also be part of a very exciting entrepreneurship development program in the OECS. Through this program, young persons will:
Be accepted as a cohort for business support by the OECS Competitive Business Unit
Receive mentorship to aid their professional and business development
Receive technical assistance
Be assisted in sourcing markets and financial inputs
Public nominations and self-nominations for the OECS 30 Under 30 are welcome. Nominations are open until November 30, 2016 and can be submitted at the following link: http://www.oecs.org/index.php/oecs-under-30-entrepreneur-form
All entrepreneurs regardless of business size, years of operation and business industry will be considered. Entrepreneurs must, however, be under the age of 30 and be a citizen/resident of an OECS member state.