As St. Maarten Participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week For the First Time
GREAT BAY:--- As a highlight of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, Foundation INFOBIZZ held a highly successful Black & Gold Power Hour Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Dan's Chocolate Factory on Front Street. Over 60 entrepreneurs and professionals, most of them young St. Martiners attended the event along with special guests, Minister of Labor, Health and Social Welfare, Cornelius de Weever and President of the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Tamara Leonard who lent their support to the young entrepreneurs. It is the first time St. Maarten participated in this international awareness campaign that involves 138 countries worldwide.
Ms. Leonard addressed the young entrepreneurs on the importance of building on a foundation of order and structure to make their dreams reality. She spoke from the heart and encouraged them to go into business. "It is important that more people, especially our young people, remove themselves from the comfort of just a salary and create value for themselves, others and the community through starting their own businesses," she said. In a very down to-earth and direct way, she explained that it is important to appreciate the hardships that come along the way.
Dwain Carbon, founder and president of Carbon Acquisition Group gave six tips on how to effectively market and brand one's business. With over 10 years in sales, marketing and real estate the 28 year old Carbon spoke about who you are communicating to, giving back, and knowing who is in your field.
Special guest speaker, Shereen Ashman flew in from Canada to facilitate a sales pitch party. This social entrepreneur is best remembered for her start-up as Stile Divas, which was launched on St. Maarten, where she attended secondary school. Now in charge of creating and developing entrepreneurship programs for at risk youth in Toronto for Community Empowering Enterprises (CEE), she also has her own social enterprise A.S.A.P. Originally from Jamaica, she says, "St. Maarten literally saved my life and I am committed to doing what I can to contribute to it".
Founder and Managing Director of Foundation INFOBIZZ, Ms. Ife Badejo is not only the visionary behind the Black & Gold Power Hour but is the driving force behind St. Maarten being able to take part in the Global Entrepreneurship Week.
"I am truly honoured and humbled to see such a great turnout. You are making my dreams come true and I hope yours too," she said.
The next Power Hour Sessions will take place in February 2014.