Seven finalist teams from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, will compete in the Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition (UWIVC) Finals on Friday, February 20, marking the culmination of months of intensive entrepreneurial training under the Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme (VHEP).

Sponsored by Dr Vincent HoSang through the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation (VHFF) and Caribbean Food Delights (CFD) and delivered in partnership with the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), the programme has empowered students and researchers since 2002 to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.

Through structured boot camps, mentorship, and venture development support, VHEP continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Jamaica’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Over a 12-week development period, participants refined their business concepts through targeted training in business model development, marketing strategy, corporate social responsibility, presentation skills, and venture financing. Each team was paired with private-sector mentors who provided guidance from the initial application stage through the semi-finals and final pitch preparation.

At the Finals, teams will present their ventures before a distinguished panel of judges for the opportunity to secure:

• First Place: JMD $400,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to New York to meet business partners of the HoSang family and tour Caribbean Food Delights and Royal Caribbean Bakery
• Second Place: JMD $300,000
• Third Place: JMD $200,000

In addition, the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation will sponsor a JMD $50,000 Corporate Social

Responsibility prize for the team demonstrating the strongest commitment to social impact.

Beyond the competition, both winners and non-winners will benefit from post-competition incubation and mentorship facilitated by MSBM and its industry partners. This includes the formation of a “shadow board” designed to support commercialisation, accountability, and responsible investment practices.

Executive Director of MSBM, Dr David McBean, underscored the programme’s contribution to national development: “The Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme demonstrates what is possible when academia and industry collaborate. By guiding students from idea to enterprise, we are strengthening Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem and preparing graduates to create jobs, solve real-world problems, and drive economic growth.”

This year’s competition is supported by the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Development Bank of Jamaica, Barita Foundation, Phoenix Fressen, World Brands, Mona Entrepreneurial and Commercialisation Centre Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Caribbean Food Delights, and the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation.

The UWIVC Finals will bring together students, private-sector leaders, and development partners in a shared commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the UWI Mona community and beyond.