Over 40 youth entrepreneurs launch 18 businesses to support Puerto Rico
This past Saturday, July 3rd, 40+ students from over 15 small businesses graduated from the second phase of our SEEDS program in the municipalities of Guaynabo, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Toa Baja, and Vieques. We were joined by special guests who are an integral part of our Friends of Puerto Rico community such as financial analyst and policy advisor Julio Cabral; founder and president of Activus Connect, Minerva Serrano; and Leap Global Partners managing partner Roman Leal, among others.
Our students received encouraging messages from the artistic community such as musical producer Nesty “La Mente Maestra” and Jowell from reggaeton duo "Jowell & Randy" who also announced his new project, a school for urban music in Puerto Rico.
During the SEEDS graduation ceremony we honored our teachers, parents, students, and mentors who kept their commitment to the development of entrepreneurial skills during a year that was challenging for everyone.
Four businesses were nominated for the “Empresa de Oro'' award. These businesses showed high levels of participation, commitment, and motivation.
The nominees were:
(1) Campo al Sabor from Vieques, a business that makes sofrito with products harvested by the students in their garden such as recao and ajies sweets. Founded by Trinity(11), Edmaris (11), and Yadeishka (13).
(2) Harvest Your Way from Guaynabo, a business aimed at creating urban gardens in limited spaces. Founded by Janneliz (11) and Jebdriel (12).
(3) Kiarita’s Cakes and More from Aibonito, a new business created during the pandemic that sells homemade mini cakes. Their most famous is the carrot cake. Founded by Kiara (11).
(4) Paradise Accessories from Toa Baja, a business that creates necklaces, bracelets and jewelry items. Founded by twins Emilyann and Emilyanis (11), Tamara (11), and Stella (11).
During the graduation ceremony attendees were able to vote in a live poll for the winner of the “Empresa de Oro.'' The winner was Kiara Liz from Kiarita’s Cakes and More.
In addition, award-winning entrepreneur and SEEDS mentor Jose Ochoa, presented a “Premio de Superacion” for students who showed admirable motivation and perseverance to advance their skills. The winners were Angel Guerra Reyes with his business Sabor Frappe, Elizayrian Rivera Vera with Creaciones by Eli, Emilyanis Rojas with Paradise Accessories and Nahir Santos with Nahle Creatie.
We are very proud of our students and excited to continue seeing them grow into the future leaders and entrepreneurs of Puerto Rico.
WATCH THE RECAP!
With your continued support we can continue to impact children in Puerto Rico. If you wish to contribute, please consider becoming a mentor for our SEEDS students or buying our social impact coffee, Café Ama Love.
