Young Entrepreneurs Invited to Enter Duhaney Park Business Project Proposal Competition

Young entrepreneurs within the Duhaney Park community are being encouraged to participate in the third annual Duhaney Park Young Entrepreneurs Business Project Proposal Competition.

Interested persons may contact 876-214-6045, 876-335-3894 or 876-535-7304 for registration details.

The competition, organised by the Duhaney Park Community Development Committee in partnership with the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), is open to individuals between the ages of 15 and 29.

Participants are required to submit written business proposals prior to the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Duhaney Park Community Centre in St. Andrew.

Once submitted, all proposals will then be evaluated by a panel of judges.

On the day of the competition, participants will present their proposals and assessed based on innovation, feasibility, impact and presentation skills.

President, Duhaney Park Community Development Committee, Godfrey Williams, told JIS News that the competition “aims to highlight the entrepreneurial potential of young individuals while providing them with invaluable skills in business proposal writing, public speaking and innovation”.

He noted that since its launch in 2022, the competition has gained considerable attention and has become a cornerstone for economic development within the community.

“The competition offers not only a platform to refine creative business ideas but also a chance for young people to develop the essential skills needed for entrepreneurship,” Mr. Williams added.

Director, Local Economic Development at the SDC, Avril Ranger, told JIS News that the competition is not just about presenting business ideas.

“It is about fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Duhaney Park. By encouraging young people to think creatively and strategically, we are laying the groundwork for future business leaders who will drive economic growth in their community,” she said.

The top performers in the competition will receive cash prizes, with $50,000 for the winner; second place, $40,000; and $25,000 for third place.

Trophies will be awarded in several categories to recognise outstanding proposals.

The prizes aim to motivate participants to strive for excellence while also offering tangible support to kick-start their business ventures.

“We believe that by investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of our communities. This competition is part of a larger effort by the SDC and our partners to stimulate local economic development and create pathways to success for young entrepreneurs,” Ms. Ranger said.

Among the outcomes of the competition are to increase entrepreneurship among local youth; enhance business proposal writing and presentation skills; and foster greater community involvement and new business ventures, which can contribute to local economic growth.