The second edition of the Shafia London Business Challenge at the Girls’ High School has seen a group of event planners taking home the winning trophy.

The entrepreneurial challenge is an initiative where Third Form students are introduced to the world of business. This year, 22 groups-137 girls in total, competed over two school terms to launch and run a business. The students were provided with start-up capital and paired with a mentor to assist them with the formal elements of business administration.

When the financials settled, Petique Party Inc. of Form 3 Debique was awarded first place and a slew of prizes including a trip to the Mandarin Oriental Resort in Canouan, for their winning business of a brunch event.

“To prepare for the brunch it was a lot of long nights on ZOOM calls… to balance with school work and extracurricular activities. It was really hectic to plan in two weeks. We executed the event great, it actually beat my expectations,” Nyah James told SEARCHLIGHT in an interview.

The judges gave Petique Party Inc. full marks in almost all areas under review including Progress and Development, 20/20; Financial Documentation and Receipts, 20/20; Judges Rubric 20/20; 10/10 Return of Investment and Profit, 20/20. For Sustainability of the Business Model the group scored nine out of ten.

The challenge is the brainchild of former student and business woman, Shafia London, and during her remarks at the closing ceremony on Thursday, June 1, she noted the growth, impact and interest being shown by other business people and schools in the challenge since its inception. She also revealed that she was approached by a multi-million dollar investor who expressed interest in being a part of the business challenge.

“I truly recognize that this thing has grown tentacles. The parents, the mentors, everybody is involved and it is national. A lot of other schools have come knocking, they want to be involved. We are going to make this huge.”

Head of the GHS Business Department LaToya DeRoche-John made a public call for mentors to come forward in the next iteration of the challenge, noting that finding suitable mentors was one the most significant challenges experienced by the department.

“Let me warn you, some of them [students] are extremely hardened and they are going to need a firm hand, but our girls are worth it. Future mentors, allow the girls to take the lead and execute their ideas. Do not force or encourage them to do what you want them to do.”

Students in the Petique Party Inc. comprised Mya Cumberbatch, Isabella Sam, Faith Bynoe, Paula-Ann Smith, Nyah James, Azjanae Gurley and Yanni Bascombe. The group was mentored by Rosette Bennett, owner of Knott Rope Bar and Grill.

Second place went to Epiquely Empowered, who were mentored by Jo Anne Dasilva. It also included students, Josel Dasilva, Jada Edwards, Arianne Kirby, Najah Lewis, Michael Jordynn, Kathryn Miller and Zaryah Samuel.

Totes and Things, mentored by Chevelle Campbell, was awarded third place and comprised Tyri Oliver, Alyssa Compton, Adrenette Mitchell, Leanique Balkaran, Konje Findlay, Lyndica Crickshank, Kennecia Daniel and Kaci-Ann Primus.

Of the 22 groups in the competition, 20 groups returned profits ranging from EC$25 to $8,555