Twelve prepared for entrepreneurship during sea moss internship

TWELVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS from Canouan successfully completed the Idea to Im- pact Sea Moss Internship Programme, a hands-on, business-focused learning experience designed to introduce youth to entre- preneurship, sustainability, and innovation in the sea moss industry.

This programme, funded by SeaMoss Boss Canouan, a father-daughter run busi- ness led by Junior Stephens and Shavorn Stephens,
in collaboration with the UBEC Regional MSME Matching Grant Pro- gramme, provided students with real-world exposure to the blue economy, equip- ping them with the tools and confidence to turn ideas into viable products and business ventures, a release from SeaMoss Boss Canouan stated.

Throughout the pro- gramme, students were introduced to the fun- damentals of sea moss culti- vation and environmental sustainability, explored branding and packaging design, and learned how to conduct basic business record keeping. They also gained skills in marketing, sales, and value-added product development, producing their own sea moss-based items such as sea moss cheesecakes, well- ness shots, face masks, lip balm, seamoss creme, hair gel, and even candle hold- ers. Practical sessions were paired with presentations on global market trends and the importance of inno- vation in natural product industries.

The internship culminat- ed in a community pop-up event during Canouan’s Carnival Village, where interns showcased and sold their products to a support- ive crowd.They managed their own transactions, performed basic account- ing, and equally shared the income earned, giving them a full entrepreneurial experience from concept to customer.

“This experience showed me what I’m capable of,” one student shared at the closing ceremony. “I felt proud of myself and excited for what I can do next.” At the conclusion of the programme, all 12 participants received certifi- cates of completion in recognition of their hard work, leadership, and inno- vation.

SeaMoss Boss Canouan has extended sincere thanks to the principals and staff of the Canouan Secondary School and the Canouan Primary School for providing classroom and kitchen facilities, and to the dedicated partners named as: Ronita Ollivierre of Ocean Remedies for her engaging session on sustainability and sea moss production; Marslyn Lewis of @Marslyns for facilitat- ing product development and value added production workshops; Hansel Henry of Canouan Islanders for engaging the interns during their live showcase and highlighting their work to the community; Glendine Laidlow and Pauline King of Soul Food for providing nourishing meals through- out the programme; and Bayview Apartments for providing comfortable accommodation support during the internship.

SeaMoss Boss Canouan said it looks forward to expanding this programme and continuing to invest in the next generation of blue economy leaders.