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Holders Hill SDA helps community businesses "Thrive"

Posted on Oct 23 2022

Barbados, October 23, 2022 - The Holders Hill SDA (HHSDA) church continued their efforts to help their neighbouring community to "Thrive" by hosting another small business development and networking event at the Desmond Haynes Sports Complex in Holders Hill, St. James. Each year's Thrive event features presentations to help small business owners and a pitch competition to hone their skills in presenting their business with confidence.

This year's event was hosted by Ms. Natalie Garraway who welcomed all guests including Mr. Ronnie Yearwood, President of the Democratic Labour Party and Pastor Dayle Haynes, Personal Ministries Director of the East Caribbean Conference. 

Natalie Garraway, MC


Throughout the evening Ms. Garraway gave useful tips using the acronym P.I.T.C.H to share key elements to keep in mind when considering a pitch. Shurland Henry, church member and entrepreneur, gave the opening prayer and words of encouragement for all in attendance.
 
In delivering special remarks, Lisa Fenty, Regional Project Coordinator, The Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT) briefly described four means of support the BYBT gives to budding and current entrepreneurs at all stages of their business. One means Ms. Fenty mentioned was Business Development Support where persons with just an idea can get assistance and mentorship to develop that idea into a full fledged business. BYBT also helps persons who have informal businesses formalize their structure to take it to the next level.


Debbie Estwick, Featured Presenter 
Thrive 2022's featured presentation was done by Caribbean Design & Brand Strategist, Debbie Estwick entitled "Packaging and Labelling on a Budget". She is also an internationally published academic author with multi-cultural professional experience in design, branding, business and advocacy.

During her presentation, Ms. Estwick highlighted the main purposes of packaging and provided advice on the various types of packaging that provides product protection, transportation, information and brand promotion. While sharing advice on low cost packaging options the audience was encouraged to consider our environment. Ms. Estwick stated: "In our island we are affected by climate change so we really should be thinking about how to be conscious about the packaging and the waste that we are generating and what it is doing for the environment". The entire presentation can be viewed on the Holders Hill SDA YouTube channel.
 
Five contestants participated in the Sales Pitch Competition judged by Peter Skeete, Youth Commissioner, Lisa Fenty, Regional Project Coordinator, BYBT and Joshua Ward, Holders Hill SDA Member and Owner, LeisureLuxe Rentals. Each contestant was given 3 to 4 minutes to present their existing business and were judged on  assertiveness, knowledge about the product, dress and the ability to sell their product.

Thrive 2022 Pitch Competition Contestants
Thrive 2022 Pitch Competition Contestants. (L-R) Paula Morris Joe - Honey P Variety, Lynette Phoenix Walcott - The Bakers Home, Leandra Payne Eastmond - B L Events and Catering, Gwendolyn Bostic - Beyond Bubbles, Dwayne Devonish - Double Ds Cakes and Pastries 

Ms. Gwendelyn Bostic, Owner, Beyond Bubbles, emerged as the first prize winner of the pitch competition for the excellent promotion of her skin care line of products. She received a prize of $400. Lynette Phoenix-Walcott and Leandra Payne-Eastmond tied on points for second and third place. They shared the prizes of a virtual fitness training programme from "Sweat By Dre" and a gift of decorative throw cushions from Jash Creations Blessings.
 
The vote of thanks was given by Thrive organizer and HHSDA, Community Service leader, Elder Natasha Boyce. After the competition guests received refreshments from "The Baker's Home" and "Double D's Cakes and Pastries" which are both small businesses in St. James South.