Private and Public Sectors Back Aspiring Entrepreneurs at The UWI’s First Undergraduate Conference and Expo

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I. — Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has created a platform that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with established business leaders, government representatives and members of the corporate community. At its inaugural International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo (IUSLCEE), held in September at The UWI Regional Headquarters, student entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean engaged directly with industry professionals committed to supporting the region’s next generation of innovators and business leaders.

The strong participation of private and public sector representatives reflected a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in the Caribbean. Regional financial institutions, business development agencies and emerging technology enterprises were among the organisations represented at the bustling Entrepreneurship Expo, where students showcased their ventures and explored opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and investment.

“We are seeking to build the entrepreneurial capacity of the region,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies and Conference Chair, Professor Canute Thompson, “and partnership is a critical factor.”

National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) brought financial literacy directly to students through NCB Money Talk, a targeted session on saving, investing and responsible borrowing designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the practical tools they need to grow and sustain their ventures. Other conference partners and sponsors included the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC), The Jamaica Pegasus, Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, InterMixz, Vibrant Boutique, Optimacare Medical, APEX Construction, Infolytics and Jaiku.

The conference also received strong support from government. Delivering remarks to delegates, The Honourable Delano Seiveright, Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, encouraged students to actively develop their entrepreneurial skills.

“You need to be aggressive in developing yourselves and your skillsets,” he urged, highlighting artificial intelligence, e-commerce, manufacturing, agribusiness, digital services and the creative industries as fertile ground for young entrepreneurs. Referencing the role of agencies such as the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in advancing the country’s entrepreneurship agenda, Minister Seiveright underscored the importance of translating ideas into action. “The Government of Jamaica is committed to creating the enabling environment,” he said, “but the work of being an entrepreneur, that is yours to do.”

Student delegates were moved to action immediately, participating fully in lively and insightful panel discussions led by respected business leaders. Among them was UWI Chancellor Dr. The Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller, who joined a panel on the topic “The Entrepreneurial Journey: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me.”

Outstanding student business initiatives were also recognised at the conference, with 16 challenge trophies and awards presented. Entrepreneurship awardees were Tatyanna Ross of Chadon Beni Vinaigrette, who received the Chancellor’s Award for Established Entrepreneurship as well as the award for Most Outstanding Exhibit, and Agreement Sibiya of Bamboo Queen – Restyle Africa, who received the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Emerging Entrepreneurship.

Addressing delegates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles described the ideal entrepreneur as “a capitalist with consciousness” and encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of overcoming historical and structural barriers to advancement. “This University has a strategic commitment to produce a generation of graduates who will consider wealth production as a part of their social obligation as educated persons. We want people who can form enterprises, create structures and employment, generate productivity, competitiveness, and economic activity because we need economic infrastructure that can support our societies.”

Closing the conference, Professor Thompson described IUSLCEE 2026 as a successful proof of concept and reiterated the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among undergraduate students.

“One of the cultural shifts becoming necessary in our society due to factors such as AI is ‘new forms of work’. We must enable our graduates to think about creating jobs. An institution serious about entrepreneurship actively builds the architecture, forges the partnerships, and ensures its students stand shoulder to shoulder with the entrepreneurs who have already walked the road ahead.”