CARIMAC students to host business expo next week

MONTEGO BAY, St James:

Budding entrepreneurs will have access to vital information to establish their businesses during the 'It's My Business: Engaging Youth in Enterprise' exposition at the University of the West Indies, Mona-Western Jamaica Campus in Montego Bay next Friday.

The event is geared at encouraging youth in western Jamaica to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option, and is also open to existing business operators who want information on improving their operations.

The expo, which is being staged by the final-year public relations students of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) in fulfilment of their course requirements, will run from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Youth unemployment has become a growing concern in our society over the years, and this venture will act as a catalyst for young people to start thinking about establishing their own businesses and will create well-needed employment," said project manager Alexia Simmonds.

Several presentations

The expo will feature presentations by established entrepreneurs, including Imani Duncan, group marketing manager of Jamaica Money Market Brokers; Tyrone Wilson, CEO of eZines Limited; and Peter Scudamore, managing director of the Pelican Restaurant in Montego Bay.

The speakers will share their journey to success, the benefits of owning one's own business, as well as how entrepreneurship contributes to Jamaica's economy. Former president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and director at Sandals International, Wayne Cummings, will also share his knowledge on image consultancy for business and social life.

There will also be booths showcasing a variety of products and services. Financial organisations such as the National Commercial Bank and Montego Co-operative Credit Union will provide information to the participants on financial assistance available to establish businesses.