Konservi to have re-launch in SVG

This country’s representative in the finals of the 10th Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas) and the Eco-Challenge 2015, held in Panama City recently, Cenus Hinds of Konservi, says while he did not emerge a winner, the experience was one of the best {{more}}he’s had thus far as a young entrepreneur.

Hinds, whose mobile marketing business app connects businesses with their customers and potential customers, was among 32 teams from 17 countries selected as finalists in the TIC Americas finals, April 6-9. Some 2,734 teams from OAS Member States participated in the competition, which is organized by the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), in cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS).

An elated Hinds says the experience has opened new opportunities for his business to grow. “I’ve met the president and vice- president of Panama. I’ve met the vice-president of the World Bank (all of whom I now have contact information for). I’ve been able to network with some great minds and get advice from them all. I didn’t emerge the winner of the cash prize in my category, but I did emerge the winner on so many other notes!”

Hinds says he has been in contact with the Panamanian business development sector for a possible Panama launch of Konservi, which was founded in 2014 with investment made by LIME (SVG) for the development of the mobile application.

“I [now] need to put some more development into this and do a re-launch of it in SVG, hopefully with the help of CARCIP St Vincent and the Grenadines, which would then lead to launches in neighbouring Caribbean countries,” he explains.

Hinds is grateful to his sponsors and supporters, and says he looks forward to much more support going forward.

“I’m overjoyed, honestly, and can’t wait to see this business grow! Thanks for all the support, and for those who’ve been unsure of whether or not to support, just know that SVG is small and we have to represent and support our own! I can’t thank LIME SVG’s Mr Leslie Jack, GECCU’s Mr Lennox Bowman and the CED enough. They’ve been there from the start of this competition and have given immeasurable support.”

The Caribbean winners in TIC Americas 2015 are: Dale Trotman from Barbados and Jermaine Henry from Jamaica.

TIC Americas 2015 was sponsored by PepsiCo Latin American Beverages, World Bank, the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development of the OAS, Central America Bottling Corporation, Postobón, and the Government of Panama. It is a component of the IV Young Americas Forum, an official activity within the framework of the VII Summit of the Americas “Prosperity with Equity: The Challenge of Cooperation in the Americas”. The programme honours innovative businesses and accelerates the process of market integration of young entrepreneurs in the Americas. Its model goes beyond developing a business plan, as it incorporates extensive support phases with training, mentoring and development of prototype. Prizes include incubation opportunities, training, business network, cash, international visibility and important contacts.

The other countries in the finals are Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Columbia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bucaramanga, Cali, Medellin, and Columbia.