Young entrepreneurs are on the rise as the Teen CEO Summer Camp returns for its second year with registration already surpassed 50%. This hands-on, entrepreneurial and leadership program sets up many young Barbadians with the opportunity to succeed from an early age – an opportunity that was not so readily available for past generations.
Founder of Branded Bunch and Managing Director of Bijou Media, Ashley Phillips-Kinch, shared the purpose and inspiration behind the Teen CEO Summer Camp during its launch on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the Sky Mall Conference Center, Haggatt Hall.
The idea for Teen CEO was birthed during the Covid-19 period when uncertainty was around every corner. Teen CEO is designed to be interactive, hands on and filled with real world experiences that inspire creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Following a successful camp in 2025, the program is now extended to two (2) weeks; taking place July 20-31, 2026.
Ms. Phillips-Kinch: “This year’s program promises to be even more engaging, educational and fun as we continue to embrace a blended approach to learning. We warmly invite members of the business community to attend and support the future leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. ”
Co-Founder of Branded Bunch and Co-Facilitator of Teen CEO Summer Camp, Dereka Agard during the welcome remarks: “Teen CEOs are important to us because we believe young people need early access to real life skills that build confidence, encourage practical thinking and nurture skills they already exhibit, and prepare them for future opportunities.”
“Teen CEO Summer Camp 2026 would not be possible without the support of the businesses and individuals who have come on board this year.”
The program’s investors and supporters include CIBC Caribbean, Payce Digital, Unicomer Barbados, Salters Market, Boss Ladies United, Everything Branded, News On The Go, Radisson Hotel, Motherly Treats, Life In The Tropics Tours & Taxi, Venus Operations Limited, IRC Consultancy, TTO & CO., Passionate Words Editing Services, Innovent Creations, Tyrone’s Mandarin Services, Janelle & Keisha, Belleluxe Accessories, National Organization of Women, Bajan Fusion, SMB Consulting, Wilkinson Equipment, and Jaii Bakes.
Business Development Manager with Payce Digital, Gail Welch, praised the program, saying: “Programs like Teen CEO exposed young minds to the disciplines, behaviours and leadership skills they need to cultivate from a young age as they prepare for the evolving world of work. At Payce Digital we understand the importance of investing in the future of our Nation.”
Banking Executive, Head of Country for Barbados at CIBC Caribbean, Victor Boyce shared encouraging remarks: “Entrepreneurship is also a journey and it can be a long one. When the challenges do come, and they will, they need to have that same power to withstand those challenges, to overcome them and to keep on going.”
Operations Manager at Salters Market, Shaquani Hunte commended the program for assisting with an introduction to the business world, stating: “I am so glad that this camp was created to help young people navigate that process. Salter’s Market believes in the next generation and investing in them, and with investing in them we have dedicated our program at Salter’s Market into giving young people the opportunity to own businesses there. We have some of the youngest business owners on our property.. and they are profitable.”
The following day a Special Mixer and Registration event took place at the Radisson Hotel on July 19, 2026. The cocktail mixer brought together the Teen CEOs, their parents, sponsors, and seasoned business owners for an evening of networking, encouragement and inspiration.
