For entrepreneurs looking to fund their small business ideas, Sign Island’s Small Business Expo will feature a Pitch Competition that will award $3,000 in cash and prizes for the most innovative business proposals.
A small business itself, Sign Island is giving back to the Bahamian entrepreneurial community through a two-day event on Saturday October 6 and Sunday October 7 at the Elizabeth on Bay Plaza, downtown Nassau. Nearly 20 small businesses will be exhibitors at the Expo, showcasing their diverse menus, services and products.
Entrepreneurs are also being invited to pitch their small business ideas with hopes of making the final cut and present to the think tank group, Shift the Culture, at the Expo. The person or company with the best pitch will win $1,500 in seed money and $1,500 phone voucher from Aliv Telecommunications Company.
Sign Island president, Kweku Symonette, said it was important for their company to give back to the small business community and the clients that have made their first year a success.
“To commemorate our first year in business, we wanted to show our appreciation to our loyal customers” said Symonette, “but rather than give discounts or gift bags we thought it better to provide a platform where our clients and other small business owners could network and acquire new customers and opportunities.”
The Expo also features a vehicle wrapping demonstration, networking with industry experts and panel discussions that would include the brightest minds in the country. Panelists like renowned photographer Scharad Lightbourne, financial wizard Delphino Cassar Gilbert II and, creative director and stylist, Lavonne Alexis will explain how they’ve utilized technology to expand their business over the years, and offer tech hacks for others.
Environmental scientist Kelli Armstrong, actuarial mathematician Zemi Stewart and corporate maven Janay Pyfrom-Symonette will also discuss the rise of women in STEM-related industries and what this revolution means for the future of The Bahamas.
These speakers have excelled at small venture and brand building, and are setting the bar high for future entrepreneurs.
“We wanted speakers from diverse backgrounds who, in some ways, see solutions to our national economy differently. “We’ve got the greatest young minds to discuss world trends that have a huge impact on our economy and possibly change the future of marketing, sales and how we conduct business,” Symonette said.
Pictured above are speakers from both panel discussions
There is no entry fee for submitting a business idea to the Pitch Competition. Those interested in submitting a proposal should contact Sign Island or visit their website signislandexpo.com to learn more.
