Not everyone is an innovator, but everyone should offer initiative – Goal of BEF’s charity drive
With 231 students from 14 secondary schools across the country, the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s Charity Drive component is a runaway success. Approximately $9,000 was raised by teens between the ages of 14 and 16.
Although better known for his publications like “The In’s & Out’s of Barbados” or the memoirs of hotelier John Chandler or the recollections of racehorse commentator Julian Armfield in “Absolutely Barbados” – publisher Keith Miller, is the chair of the BEF and he told participants at the Cave Hill School of Business there was a definite reasoning behind the rules of the $20 Challenge including taking a portion of the profits and supporting a charity of their own selection.
Speaking at the Cave Hill School of Business, Mr Miller emphasised that while some folk desire to be entrepreneurs, there are other who enjoy being employees but all should seek to perform with enterprise and initiative. Enterprise is the hallmark which differentiates routine versus exceptional service.
The $20 Challenge was made possible by Telecoms provider Flow along with Scotiabank joining up to provide ground support for the young business managers.
Both winners and previous runners up have gone on to develop better and further projects which not only generate profits but make sure that institutions like the Living Waters Community, the Ark Foundation and other similar initiatives benefit from the youngsters’ hard work and creativity in generating income from such a small beginning.
Senior Marketing Manager with Scotia, Lisa Cole explained why the firm signed on for a second year running with the BEF and what were the main components which continue to draw the facility in assisting – giving back to the community, entrepreneurship and youth which leads to passion. The Scotia leader pointed out when one has passion then your commitment to the idea becomes more real in a faster time frame.
