Owner of Food Processing enterprise wins Men’s Empowerment Project Business Pitch Competition

Ferique Shortte, owner and operator of Union Food Processing, a startup business, captured the first-place prize in the men’s empowerment project Business Pitch Competition, held on July 15, 2025 at the conference room of the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc (CED).

Shortte emerged the winner from among five finalists in the competition, which was held under the Technical Assistance for Men’s Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (TAMEED) Project that is being executed by the CED, and funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, CED said in a release.

Shortte, whose business produces a variety of processed hams and sausages, will receive a cash grant prize of EC$15,000. The second-place winner, Eric Clarke of Teric’s Poultry and Meats, will receive a cash award of $EC 10,000. Clarke’s business specialises in the production of fresh, whole chicken and beef.

The competition was one of the major highlights of the project, which commenced in January this year. The project was developed by the CED to equip male entrepreneurs with the skills necessary for sustainable growth and development in their enterprises. It’s focus is on three key components: personal and professional development; mentorship; and financial grants.

The other finalists were Hartiem Farrell of Hartiem Farrell Couture; Jessie DaSouza of Vibie’s Concrete Products and Services; and Rayshorn Richardson of Eknotec Services Ltd.

The TAMEED Project will culminate today, Friday, July 18, 2025 with the closing and Grant Awards Ceremony at the Lecture Hall of the UWI Global Campus at 9:00 a.m. A total of 36 entrepreneurs who completed the six-month project, will receive financial grants that will be used to improve and expand their businesses.