As the Virgin Islands works to strengthen workforce retention and expand economic opportunity, the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning is launching a new program focused on youth entrepreneurship.
The Young Entrepreneur Development Program, a free six-month initiative beginning March 19, will guide participants through the process of building a business, from idea development and market research to branding, financial planning and pitch preparation.
Workshops will be held online twice monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to UVI CELL. The program will conclude with a public pitch showcase, followed by continued one-on-one advising and technical assistance.
“This program moves beyond theory; it prepares young people to see themselves as innovators, leaders and economic contributors within their own communities,” said Liza Margolis, UVI CELL entrepreneurship program manager. “The Entrepreneur Youth Development Program is about building skills, confidence and opportunity early.”
Funded in part by a grant from the Popular VI Community Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the initiative provides hands-on training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, marketing and business planning. Organizers say those skills extend beyond launching a company.
“Entrepreneurship skills complement every career path and business knowledge is essential across all professions. No matter what industry your child may be interested in, this program will provide a foundation for success on the entrepreneurial path or for employment within a company or organization. Entrepreneurial skills empower individuals to adapt and create opportunities, regardless of circumstances,” said Suzanne Darrow-Magras, UVI CELL director.
Darrow-Magras said the program is also intended to counter the territory’s long-standing outmigration of young professionals.
“The Virgin Islands has long faced the loss of talented young people seeking opportunity elsewhere, but young people do not have to leave to succeed,” she said. “At UVI, students can access free tuition opportunities, innovative degree programs, and real support to turn their ideas into action.”
She pointed to what she described as UVI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes continuing education and workforce development training through UVI CELL, business advising through the UVI Small Business Development Center, government contracting support through the APEX Accelerator, and growth and financing connections through the UVI Research and Technology Park.
“Together, UVI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem gives our youth the tools, guidance and confidence to build their futures right here at home,” Darrow-Magras said.
The Young Entrepreneur Development Program is part of UVI CELL’s broader youth initiative, which also includes the return of the annual EmpowerU Youth Summit.
This year’s EmpowerU Youth Summit, branded as the Coins & Culture Wealth Festival, will focus on financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and real-world decision-making. Modeled after the Teach Students Money Expo, the event will feature interactive simulations and hands-on activities centered on building strong financial foundations.
Participation in both programs is free.
Registration for the Young Entrepreneur Development Program is available here. Registration for the EmpowerU Youth Summit is available here.
For more information, visit uvicell.uvi.edu, email cell@uvi.edu or call 340-693-1100.
