Pelican Pitch to assist student entrepreneurs at UWI Mona

In a move to assist student entrepreneurs attending the University of the West Indies, Mona, the Pelican Pitch was launched on Tuesday, September 28, inside the conference room at Taylor Hall. The initiative, which is undertaken by the University of the West Indies Mona Guild Council, is dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. It will provide a platform for students at the university to showcase their business ideas, gain valuable exposure, access mentorship and connect with potential investors, industry leaders and corporate partners. Jermaine Francis, vice president of Properties and Special Initiatives explained the guild’s decision to establish the Pelican Pitch. “The Pelican Pitch, in a sense, is the UWI Mona Guild’s entrepreneurial competition where we encourage student entrepreneurs to come out, showcase their business to the wider UWI Mona community, especially for those students whose businesses cater to innovation or tackle issues that solve problems on campus. We have a great amount of student entrepreneurs on the campus, including cosmetologists, barbers, jerk chicken vendors, chefs and even photography services,” Francis told Observer Online. He said the move will help to prepare student entrepreneurs for long-term success. “This initiative came about after having a discussion with my predecessor. It’s not just about having events and parties on the campus, we also wanted to have initiatives that cater to entrepreneurs by teaching them how to fish, so that they can see success in the long-term. We also have on board partners who will help them in their professional development.” There will be two workshops where students will receive training and certification for their businesses. The final of the competition is slated for November 6. “The winner and participants will receive financial prizes, grants and gift baskets. We have partnered with the Vincent Hosang competition, which will assist the competitors with training. So far, we have seven competitors from different halls on the campus as well as commuters. We encourage corporate Jamaica to tap in and support the different initiatives that the UWI Mona Guild has for the students. We urge them to make the most of these opportunities,” said Francis.