The Duhaney Park Community Development Committee, in partnership with the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), is excited to announce the Third Annual Duhaney Park Young Entrepreneurs Business Project Proposal Competition. The event will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Duhaney Park Community Centre, 122B Baldwin Crescent, Kingston 20.
Duhaney Park, a community known for its vibrant spirit, continues to face challenges such as high youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities. In response, the Young Entrepreneurs Business Project Proposal Competition, now in its third year, has emerged as a significant platform for empowering young residents between the ages of 15 and 29.
According to Donna Smith, President of the Duhaney Park Community Development Committee (CDC), “This competition aims to highlight the entrepreneurial potential of young individuals while providing them with invaluable skills in business proposal writing, public speaking, and innovation. Launched in 2022, it has gained considerable attention and has become a cornerstone for economic development within the community.”
Participants in the competition will submit written business proposals before the event, which will then be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges. On the day of the competition, the participants will present their proposals, which will be assessed based on their innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation skills. 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.
Avril Ranger, Director of Local Economic Development at the SDC, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative: “This competition is not just about presenting business ideas; it’s 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.”
The top performers in the competition will be rewarded with cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving $50,000 JMD, second place $40,000 JMD, and third place $25,000 JMD. In addition to monetary prizes, trophies will be awarded in several categories to recognize outstanding proposals. The prizes aim to motivate participants to strive for excellence while also offering tangible support to kick-start their business ventures.
Avril Ranger further added, “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.”
The competition is being organized by the Duhaney Park Community Development Committee (CDC) in collaboration with the SDC through its Local Economic Development Support Program (LEDSP) and with part sponsorship from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). This partnership ensures that the participants receive expert guidance and a supportive environment to thrive as budding entrepreneurs.
The competition is expected to bring about several key outcomes, including increased entrepreneurship among local youth, enhanced business proposal writing and presentation skills, greater community involvement, and new business ventures contributing to local economic growth.
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