SANDALS FOUNDATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDGE PROGRAMME

WITH 58 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The Sandals Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and economic development with the successful completion of the Department of Youth Affairs’ Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, marking the second consecutive year of partnership between the two organizations.

This year’s six-week programme saw a significant increase in participation, with 58 aspiring and established young entrepreneurs from across Antigua and Barbuda successfully completing the intensive training programme.

The programme culminated with an Entrepreneurship Expo on International Youth Day, giving participants the opportunity to take their businesses beyond the classroom and directly into the marketplace. The public-facing showcase also featured local entrepreneurs offering a diverse range of products and services, allowing them to promote their ventures, engage potential customers, build networks, and gain practical experience in presenting their businesses.

The EC$38,000 investment from the Sandals Foundation supported the delivery of the programme, which was designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build and sustain successful enterprises.

Over the six weeks, participants engaged in sessions covering Creativity and Artificial Intelligence, Financial Management, Ethical Leadership, Project Management, Business Accountability and Sustainability, Social Entrepreneurship, Funding Opportunities, Business Plan Fundamentals, and Public Speaking and Pitching Skills.

The cohort reflected the diversity of Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging entrepreneurial sector, with participants representing ventures ranging from T-shirt businesses and after-school tutoring to refrigeration services and other small businesses.

Director of Youth Affairs, Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, highlighted the significance of the programme’s growth and its role in creating pathways for young people to become economically active.

“This year’s Entrepreneurship Edge Programme demonstrated both the growing interest in entrepreneurship among our young people and their commitment to completing a rigorous programme designed to prepare them for the realities of business. We saw a tremendous uptick in participation, with all 58 participants successfully completing the programme. Our young entrepreneurs came from diverse sectors, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is already happening across our communities in many different forms.”

Dr. Samuel added that initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Edge can play an important role in addressing youth unemployment and expanding economic opportunities beyond traditional employment.

“At a time when youth unemployment remains a concern, we must continue creating pathways for young people to become job creators and not only job seekers. Entrepreneurship is part of the solution. By equipping our young people with practical business skills, mentorship and access to opportunities, we can help them build sustainable livelihoods while also reducing some of the pressure on the public sector to absorb our young workforce.”

She also expressed appreciation to the programme’s facilitators, mentors and the Sandals Foundation for their continued support.

“We are extremely grateful to the seasoned entrepreneurs, lecturers, facilitators and mentors who invested their time and expertise in this programme, and especially to the Sandals Foundation for its unwavering support. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to create meaningful opportunities for our young people.”

Sandals Grande Antigua General Manager, David Latchimy, said the Foundation’s continued investment in the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme reflects a belief that empowering young people is fundamental to the country’s long-term development.

“Entrepreneurship is not simply about starting a business; it is about recognizing opportunities where others see challenges, having the resilience to navigate setbacks, and possessing the courage to turn an idea into action. Through our partnership with the Department of Youth Affairs, we are investing not only in businesses, but in people who have the potential to create opportunities for themselves and others. We want these young entrepreneurs to take what they have learned, use it, build on it and share it. They are not simply the leaders of tomorrow they are contributors today, and investing in them is one of the most impactful investments we can make in the future of Antigua and Barbuda.”

As part of the programme’s closing activities, special recognition was also extended to the participants who demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the six-week programme. The top three participants, Phebe Salmon, Honora Thomas and Avanti Gardner were each awarded complimentary evening passes for two at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.

The passes were presented by Sandals Grande Antigua General Manager David Latchimy and Public Relations Manager Leon Norville, recognizing the participants’ commitment, performance and dedication throughout Entrepreneurship Edge.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership and coordination of this year’s programme and its supporting activities, Dr. Jrucilla Samuel was also presented with a complimentary evening pass for two at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.

The recognition reflects the Sandals Foundation’s commitment not only to supporting programmes that create opportunities for young people, but also to celebrating excellence, leadership and the individuals who contribute to their success.

The Sandals Foundation’s continued support of the Department of Youth Affairs Entrepreneurship Edge Programme forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening Caribbean communities through education, skills development, leadership training and economic empowerment.

The Foundation believes that supporting young entrepreneurs extends beyond helping individuals establish businesses. It contributes to stronger communities, increased economic participation, job creation, and a more resilient future for Antigua and Barbuda.

With the successful completion of the 2026 programme, the 58 participants leave Entrepreneurship Edge with more than certificates. They take with them new knowledge, strengthened networks, greater confidence, and practical tools to help transform their ideas and enterprises into sustainable ventures.

The programme may have ended, but for these young entrepreneurs, their entrepreneurial journey is only beginning.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sandals Foundation and Department of Youth Affairs Celebrate Completion of Entrepreneurship Edge Programme With 58 Young Entrepreneurs.