BRIDGETOWN, ST. MICHAEL – The Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management was the vibrant backdrop on April 5, 2025, for the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF) awards ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of young participants in its 12th annual $20 Challenge. This impactful initiative, a cornerstone in fostering youth entrepreneurship, is proudly supported by Scotiabank and has empowered 160 secondary and tertiary students to transform a mere $20 into viable businesses.
Executive Director of the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation, Celeste Foster, speaking to the team from Newsonthego, expressed her immense satisfaction. “Oh, we were happy because what has happened is that all of the stakeholders are happy. Stakeholders happy, I am happy, amazing!” she declared, highlighting the collaborative success of the program. With over two decades dedicated to entrepreneurship development, Foster views the BEF as a crucial platform to “give back to my country” by nurturing the next generation of business minds. She emphasised the importance of recognising and cultivating the unique talents of young individuals. “Imagine if more people just looked at where our young people are starting, worked with them to polish what they do have, and then be able to let them grow and flourish,” she passionately stated.
Managing Director of Scotiabank (Barbados) Limited, Suzette Armoogam-Shah, underscored the bank’s commitment to this vital initiative. “Scotiabank is incredibly proud to partner with the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation on the $20 Challenge. This program is more than just a business competition; it’s an investment in the future of Barbados. By providing these young individuals with hands-on experience and mentorship, we are equipping them with essential life skills, fostering resilience, and cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive our nation forward.” Armoogam-Shah’s words highlighted the broader impact of the challenge, extending beyond financial gains to encompass personal and professional development.
Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, delivered an inspiring keynote address, reinforcing the government’s dedication to youth empowerment through entrepreneurship. “We’re providing that information to all of those youngsters in terms of these areas that you need to travel to have a successful business,” Minister Griffith affirmed. He also announced upcoming support initiatives, including summer camps and potential scholarships linked to the $20 Challenge. He urged the BEF to broaden its reach, suggesting enhanced media engagement to identify and nurture talent beyond traditional school settings. “I want to suggest to the organisers of the BEF to look at expansion because I know that the school system is your target population, but maybe you can drill down,” he advised.
The evening celebrated the ingenuity and hard work of the young entrepreneurs. Students of the Christ Church Foundation School and winners of the Micro Enterprise Award, Haley Scott and Robin Federick of BlueIsle Organic, speaking to Newsonthego, were thrilled with their achievement. “We were a bit shocked to tell you the least,” admitted Scott, while Federate gratefully acknowledged the support they received: “We’re very grateful for those who helped us on the way, the mentors, ambassadors, teachers, parents.” Their eco-friendly candle business, successfully promoted on Instagram (@Blueisleorganic), exemplifies the innovative ventures emerging from the challenge.
The team behind Island Blends 246, whose representatives included Khaleil Lowe and Aaron Doyle, speaking to Newsonthego, demonstrated the power of peer support and a commitment to health and wellness, achieving impressive sales figures. Lowe stated, “We feel honestly very great to know that everyone had or bought, everyone supported us one hundred per cent all the way.” Doyle added that the fact they raised about ten thousand dollars in sales spoke to their exemplary business acumen as young entrepreneurs.
Their focus on health and health promotions underscores the diverse and impactful ventures emerging from the $20 Challenge.
The BEF $20 Challenge Awards ceremony served as a powerful testament to the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit within Barbados’ youth. With the unwavering support of organisations like Scotiabank and the dedication of the BEF, these young innovators are building businesses and cultivating essential skills for future success, promising a bright and dynamic economic landscape for Barbados. BEF can be found on Instagram at @bef246challenge.
