Western Bureau:A new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging in Hanover, where high-school students generated more than $850,000 in sales through the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered in partnership with Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union Jamaica Limited.The programme culminated in an awards ceremony at S Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, on Friday, with Rusea’s High School grade-nine students Kathaleya Dixon and Racene Small emerging as the top performers. Their business venture, RK Sweet Treats, secured first place and a $90,000 grant. Kendra Dinham, also of Rusea’s, placed second, earning a $60,000 grant for Crumb & Get It. Third place and a $30,000 grant went to Nazarih Turner of Merlene Ottey High School for The Snack Wheel.The three-month initiative, which involved students from Rusea’s High, Green Island High, Merlene Ottey High, and Knockalva Technical High schools, was designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, strengthen financial literacy, and provide participants with practical business experience.Thirty student entrepreneurs operated 23 businesses, supported by $230,000 in seed capital. Ventures ranged from fashion accessories and beauty products to stationery, healthy snacks, and baked goods.According to Tova-Malka Trench Anderson, SDC parish manager for Hanover, the awards ceremony marked the culmination of months of hard work and innovation by participants.“These young entrepreneurs established and managed businesses spanning a wide range of industries, from fashion accessories and beauty products to stationery, health snacks and sweet treats, and many other innovative products and services that met real needs within their school communities,” said Trench Anderson.Students received training in entrepreneurship, marketing, financial management, and business development while showcasing their products at business expos staged at their respective schools. Many also opened their first bank accounts and obtained Tax Registration Numbers (TRNs), an important step towards financial inclusion.The competition rewarded not only strong sales but also innovation, accountability, and sound business planning. Trench Anderson said participants and their ventures were assessed on transparency, accountability, and the strength of their business concepts.“Today, we are not simply recognising the winners of a competition, but we are celebrating the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs who are prepared to create opportunities, strengthen our local economy and inspire others to dream big,” she said.For Rusea’s High School’s Dixon, the victory reflected months of commitment and perseverance.“It really means a lot to me because of all the hard work and effort we put into our business … we have come a very long way,” she said.Small said the programme helped strengthen her financial literacy, financial-management, marketing and customer-service skills. Meanwhile. Dinham said the experience extended well beyond running a business, providing valuable lessons in organisation, discipline, and money management that would serve her well in the future.ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTIn addition to the top three awards, Orlando Hylton of Green Island High School received the School Champion Award for Tings & Things Stationery. Mead Johnson, Sanisha Roache, and Patrina Gray of Knockalva Technical High School were recognised for Ring & Bling Fragrances while Davia Porter received the Most Profitable Entrepreneur Award for D’s Charms.Speaking at the ceremony, SDC Executive Director Omar Frith praised the students’ achievements and highlighted the importance of economic empowerment in helping young people realise their potential.He also urged participants to recognise the broader impact their enterprises could have on their communities and on national development.Frith said he was particularly impressed by the results of the Hanover programme and revealed that discussions were well advanced to replicate the initiative across Jamaica.Andrea Purkiss, member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern, who also provided financial support for the programme, described it as a bold initiative that encourages self-reliance and enterprise.“There are Hanoverians sitting at home, at present, waiting for hotels doors to reopen, through no fault of their own,” said Purkiss, referring to the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa and its impact on workers in the hospitality sector. “This is precisely why this entrepreneurial programme matters because entrepreneurship is not a buzzword. It is economic self-defence. When you own your enterprise, however small, no one can send you home.”Conroy Ward, regional sales manager at Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union, said the programme had achieved its objective of empowering young people. He praised the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by participants, which he said contributed significantly to their personal and professional development.Guest speaker Christopher Issa, chief executive officer of S Hotel Jamaica, encouraged students to maintain high standards in every aspect of their ventures.He reminded participants that successful entrepreneurship requires vision, innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, urging them to think ambitiously, embrace opportunities, and pursue their goals with confidence.bryan.miller@gleanerjm.com