Business ideas blossom from SEED Programme

More young people are getting an opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovative ideas through the Student Entrepreneurial Empowerment Development (SEED) project.

The programme, which is possible through a partnership between the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus and CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, saw a number of tertiary students putting forward original and modern ideas as business concepts.

Two of the outstanding projects were highlighted during an award ceremony held on Wednesday at the Campus.

Brian Durant, the owner of Green Haven Farms, created a sustainable agriculture business using WiFi to irrigate crops.

This system, which is convenient and easy to use, allows the user to wet plants from anywhere, once they have Internet access.

Adama Eco Industries, a group project by business partners Kerri-Ann Bovell, Selena Drayton and Kaylah Tang, is another agriculture enterprise.

Processed meat from pasture-raised ducks and chickens is used to make meatballs for pets.

Household waste is also used to supplement feed for the poultry and to make compost as a by-product, which is also sold to farmers.

Director of Corporate Communications at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Debra King said the SEED programme played a vital role in helping young people realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.

“This business plan competition among other activities, encourages real-life experiences such as presenting one’s ideas for business . . . . This competition plays an important role for universities like the UWI to be able to allow their students to connect with the community in which the university operates and to demonstrate that the university is in touch with the needs of the society . . . . And looking at this competition now, the development of an entrepreneurial spirit within our societies is more relevant than ever in today’s economies as the entire world grapples with a new way of approaching the management of these economies. Therefore, we see this business plan competition as a chance for students to sharpen their skills, preparing them for real-world experiences,” she said.

“If they choose to start their own businesses . . .these fledgling entrepreneurs can hone their skills in developing their business ideas that meet the specific demands of the marketplace

UWI Cave Hill Campus Deputy Principal Professor Winston Moore said the management of the university wanted the institution to be an environment that fostered entrepreneurial thinking and gave students an opportunity to start their own businesses.

That is why, he said, during the heightened period of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers were still able to pursue their endeavours in their field of study.

He said a group of researchers developed nutritional meals and shakes during that time that could reverse Type 2 diabetes. He added that the university was in the process of commercialising these products.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb