The diversity of the Barbados Community College (BCC) was on full display as students from various divisions brought their unique businesses to the national $20 challenge.

After several pop-ups across campus, students were invited to advertise their products alongside other educational institutions at Sky Mall on November 22nd.

Organised by the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF), the initiative was started in 2011 with the goal of exposing youth to the practical side of starting and running a business.

Director of Youth Programs for the BEF Celeste Foster, explained that students are provided $20 in seed capital and then judged on the success of their emerging businesses. Participants are given workshops, mentorships and prizes, all leading up to the final scoring where they must submit a business report and repay their loans.

Students of the BCC were busy selling their wares, be they jewellery, crochet, baked goods or candles and responded enthusiastically when asked what their thoughts were on the challenge so far.

A Tourism and Travel student and the owner of Crochet Cove explained that it was exciting and fulfilling to turn a longtime hobby into a money-making business and to capitalize on the opportunity to share her passion with her customers.

“I have been really happy with the turn-out whether it’s the physical orders or the future orders... I can’t wait to give everyone the joy that I get from making things.”

BCC Natural Science Senior Tutor, Dr. Arlyn Linton-Jones helped coordinate student participation and was impressed with the quality of products and businesses they had produced so far.

“It’s a full experience. I’ve seen BCC students who are shy or introverted who would learn public speaking and decide if they want this as a career.”

Dr. Linton-Jones highlighted that the practical nature of the challenge is similar to the hands-on experience BCC students are accustomed to, hoping that they see the benefits of trying out their ideas in a risk-free environment.

Participants will have more opportunities to showcase their businesses in the near future, where students will continue expanding their profits and learning from their experiences.