The annual UWI Vincent HoSang Venture Competition has once again showcased the remarkable entrepreneurial talent within the University of the West Indies (UWI) community. The 2023/2024 edition, which concluded in January 2024, featured a diverse array of winning ventures, each addressing unique societal needs.

This year's victorious business was Sim's Seasonings/Sim's All-Purpose Pimento Liquid, led by sole proprietor Ms. Shanya Francis, an Human Resource Management major at MSBM. Sim's Pimentos was created to solve the common problem of accidentally biting into a pimento seed while enjoying a meal. The liquid form of pimento is more easily absorbed into foods during the cooking and seasoning process, enhancing the flavour profile. As part of the winning prize, Ms. Francis received a cash award and an all-expense paid trip to New York City, courtesy of the Vincent Hosang Family Foundation.

The prize trip proved particularly impactful, as two other teams joined Ms. Francis due to a postponement of previous winners' trips in 2022/2023. These teams were All About Scholarships and Rush Alert, a special alumnus offering of the program. All About Scholarships, a trio consisting of Mr. Delmar Squire and Mr. Armani Gayle, both medical students and , Ms. Keneisha Henry, a  Graduate student in the Faculty of Science and Technology,  focuses on educating individuals interested in tertiary education about scholarship opportunities and providing support throughout the application process, including interview preparation and essay writing assistance. Meanwhile, Rush Alert, was represented on the tour by Mr. Odaine Williams, graduate student of MSBM who is pursuing the MSc in Computer Based Management Information Systems.  Rush Alert is also a recent recipient of a special grant from the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation to expand their security support application.

The diverse array of winners showcases the breadth of innovative and impactful ideas emerging from the UWI community, addressing various societal needs and demonstrating the transformative power of entrepreneurship. During the trip, the students had the opportunity to meet with influential individuals, such as the Consulate General of Jamaica to New York, Mrs. Alison Wilson, who encouraged them to sharpen their business and negotiation skills. They also visited with Ms. Annmarie Grant, Executive Director of the American Foundation of UWI, who emphasized the benefits of networking for business growth. Students also visited several impactful business persons including such as Mr. Sam Wright, Ms. Lexy Brooks and Mr. Michael Duncan and others, who all have Jamaican roots and have succeeded in entrepreneurship in the United States.

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the HoSang family's headquarters, Caribbean Food Delights. CEO Sabrina HoSang Jordan and Chief Operations Officer Simone HoSang not only provided the students with an insider look at their multimillion-dollar business but also inspired them to embrace the rewards of entrepreneurship. The students even had the opportunity to attend a baseball game, where Mrs. HoSang Jordan threw the ceremonial opening pitch.

This transformative winners' tour has undoubtedly motivated the students to aim high and enjoy the journey of entrepreneurship, further solidifying the UWI Vincent HoSang Venture Competition as a driving force for empowering diverse and impactful business leaders.