CASE graduate receives entrepreneurship award

A certified bee farmer for more than five years, Williams holds an associate degree in general agriculture and recently earned a bachelor of technology in agri-production & food system management from CASE.

"I'm very excited to have my hard work recognised by Churches," he said. "Winning this competition will provide my business with extra capital, publicity, and welcome guidance. He will receive a J$300,000 grant from Churches and will also be matched with a Churches' mentor who will help in the development of his business.

In 2006, Churches launched its inaugural Entrepreneurs Awards Programme which sought to identify and foster entrepreneurship at the tertiary level and students from the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology, and Northern Caribbean University were invited to submit comprehensive business plans, which would then be assessed for feasibility and marketability.

'B' average

This year, in support of the national 'Eat Jamaican' campaign, the programme focused on agriculture-based proposals and was expanded to include students at CASE. To be eligible for the competition, applicants had to be final year students maintaining at least a 'B' average.

After a rigorous period of assessment, Williams' pitch for Nature's Pure Honey, a business venture based in Shettlewood, Ramble in Hanover, was adjudged the winner.

"This is an initiative we wholeheartedly support as we understand the importance of investing in 'Brand Jamaica' across all industries," said Basil Naar, CEO at Churches Co-operative Credit Union. "In the midst of a debilitating economic crisis, we believe that the success of this campaign will positively impact employment, nation building, our country's financial market, and the Jamaican entrepreneurial spirit."