Hanover Students to Benefit from Youth Entrepreneur Programme

Students from six high schools in Hanover will benefit from the new Youth Entrepreneur Programme (YEP), which is designed to equip them with practical business skills and financial literacy.

The programme, being implemented by the Social Development Commission (SDC) in partnership with Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union Jamaica Limited, will be launched on Wednesday, April 15 at the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa in Hanover.

It targets students in grades nine to 13 under the theme ‘Ignite Your Idea – Build, Earn, Inspire!’ Over the 12-week period, participants will progress from business ideation to execution, culminating in four Business Expos and an Awards Ceremony.

Each participant will receive $10,000 in seed funding to launch microenterprises, with funds managed through accounts at the Credit Union.

They will also benefit from mentorship by business professionals, exposure to marketing and customer service strategies, and opportunities to showcase their ventures at school-based business fairs.

At the conclusion of the programme, top-performing students will be awarded business grants of up to $30,000, along with trophies and certificates.

SDC Hanover Parish Manager, Tova Trench-Anderson, told JIS News that the initiative represents a strategic investment in youth development and the growth of the local economy.

“This Youth Entrepreneur Programme represents a critical investment in the future of Hanover. By equipping our young people with practical business skills, financial discipline, and mentorship, we are shaping confident individuals while fostering a culture of innovation that can transform our communities and stimulate local economic development,” she said.

Mrs. Trench-Anderson added that the programme will include entrepreneurship and financial literacy workshops, mentorship sessions with industry experts, and ongoing business development support.

“Students will be challenged to develop ventures that address real needs within their schools and communities, while demonstrating innovation and sustainability,” she further stated.

Meanwhile, Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Dianne Clunie-Wallace, emphasised that the partnership is critical to fostering responsible financial habits among participants.

“At Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union, we believe that financial empowerment must begin early. Through this partnership with the SDC, we are providing young people with real-world exposure to financial systems, helping them build habits of saving, investing, and responsible money management. This initiative will support entrepreneurship by laying the groundwork for lifelong financial independence,” she said.

The initiative forms part of the SDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community development, expand economic opportunities for young people, and promote financial inclusion and literacy among Jamaica’s youth.