OECS announces the region's top 30 entrepreneurs under 30

The OECS Commission has announced that is has chosen its 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs after a five-month process.

More than one hundred applications were received before the list of 30 was announced, the OECS said.

St Lucia provides the highest number of youngsters with 11, followed by St Kitts and Nevis with five.

The selected cohort represent a diverse cross section of industries, including food and beverage, art, photography, business, technology, agriculture, sustainable development, social development, sports, and entertainment.

OECS Director General Didacus Jules commended the initiative, which that seeks to bolster the creativity of the region’s youth.

“At the centre of this effort is youth development. The youth demographic is among the most disadvantaged segment of the population characterised by unacceptably high rates of unemployment,” he said.

“Therefore youth empowerment and entrepreneurship must be a priority if we are to drive the change we all seek.

“It is the hope that this initiative will provide the support that these young entrepreneurs need to take their businesses to the next level."

Winners will receive business support from the OECS Competitive Business Unit in the form of mentorship to aid their professional and business development, technical assistance in sourcing markets, and financial assistance.

Through its Youth Empowerment Strategy, the OECS Commission opened nominations for its inaugural 30 Under 30 in entrepreneurship initiative in November 2016, and extended the nominating period until 31 March this year.

Eligible entrepreneurs had to be 30 years old or younger at the time of nomination, and be a citizen or resident of an OECS Member State.

All eligible applications were considered despite business size, years of operation or industry.

OECS 30 Under 30 Winners