Department of Youth and Sports Offers Thousands of Dollars in Cash Prizes to Young Entrepreneurs

The Department of Youth and Sports has announced the launch of its Innovation to Lead Boot Camp and Pitch Competition.

The Boot Camp and Pitch event which are part of Youth Week 2018 will be held from November 19th to the 25th.

Coordinator of the Youth & Sports Development Programme Lyston Skerritt says the initiative aims to help young people move their concept of a business from an idea to a startup.

The booth camp which opens on the 19th will include CEO of the Caribbean Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL) Dr Marcia Brandon, Head of the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Small Business Owners Sandra Baptist and Richard Pummell, CEO of Workonnex, an HR software development firm and Aloe Montserrat.

The pitch competition is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 35.

To enter, each participant or company must submit a pitch deck and record a 60-second pitch on video promoting their business and why they need investment. Successful entries will be invited to participate in the mentorship programme leading up to the pitch event.

Special focus will be given to entries which are technology-driven, involve green energy, and incorporate culture and heritage.

Entries can be made as a startup meaning in business less than three years or as an ideation - concept for a new business.

Skerritt says upon completion of the boot camp, ten finalists will compete for thousands of dollars in startup cash, prizes and ongoing mentorship support through the Youth & Sports Development Programme.

Deadline for submitting the Pitch Deck and Video is Monday, November 12, 2018 at midnight.