Nine local entrepreneurs will compete for the title of the Virgin Islands’ first 2015 Business of the Year, Most Innovative Business of the Year and the People’s Choice Award next week.

Who will win? Find out during an interactive competition that will be staged at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on Monday, February 29, at 6:00 p.m.

The Business of the Year initiative is the brainchild of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, who entrusted the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs with ensuring the success of the programme.

Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher is extending an invitation to the community to witness the historic competition.

“This is a show like no other, where our judges will have the opportunity to give our contestants instant feedback following their presentations, and inform them whether their business is ready to go to the next level,” Mrs. Christopher said.

The Business of the Year contestants are F & M Halal Outlet, Akiya Brewley Designs, Greencrete BVI, The Rock Café and Sam’s Piano Bar, Mi Amor Jewellers, Trèfle Designs Inc., Pearls VI, Solé Day Spa and Bella Blooms.

The Business of the Year Champion will be awarded the exclusive Business of the Year title and trophy; a $7,500.00 cash injection into their business; one month of promotional placement on a public bill board; and one month of advertisements on all popular local media outlets.

The winner of the Most Innovative Business for 2015 will receive the Most Innovative Business for 2015 title and trophy; and a $1,500.00 cash injection into their business. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be decided by the audience on the evening of the event, and is based solely on opinion.

Additionally, thirteen business stalwarts in the community will also be honoured and recognised for their contributions to the Territory’s economic growth.

The Business of the Month initiative was implemented last year by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the then Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and encourage small business development. Ten businesses were awarded the Business of the Month title as a result of this initiative, with nine businesses now vying for Business of the Year.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.