International Capital & Management Company (ICMC) in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands School of Business will once again host the annual Entrepreneur Business Institute (EBI).
Created in 2013 to positively impact the business landscape as well as empower and prepare young Virgin Islanders with the important skills of business and entrepreneurship, this free summer program will run from June 25 through July 9 for current 10th, 11th and 12th graders. EBI assists students in developing key skills surrounding entrepreneurship, leadership and business, while providing insight into the college experience and campus life.
“It is programs such as this that truly reflect ICMC’s mission to positively impact the Virgin Islands community, and very specifically in this case, the territory’s young people,” said Cornel Williams, president of ICMC. “Armed with the skills that our young participants gain each year, we continue to further prepare them to enter the world of business and entrepreneurship, as well as provide them with the practical knowledge and skills that they can begin to immediately implement and benefit from.”
For two weeks, 20 students from across the territory will have an opportunity to reside on the UVI campus to enjoy a pre-college experience and learn about the advantages and challenges of entrepreneurship, experience mentorship from successful business leaders, and participate in discussions about concept development and business ownership. They will also engage in team exercises to improve their team-building and project management skills.
Although ICMC and UVI held a similar business program from 2006 to 2011, the team worked to re-define and re-create the high intensity program in 2013 that now highlights a much more entrepreneurial focus.
“We strive to identify those who will benefit the most from our entrepreneurial training offerings,” said Dr. Paul Flemming, assistant dean for the School of Business on St. Croix and EBI director. “Many of our past students have since gone on to open successful businesses of their own, and we aspire to continue this trend as together we inspire the future business owners and leaders of tomorrow.”
A robust and well-rounded program, the curriculum also offers time for participants to enjoy time together as they participate in community engagement activities, social networking opportunities and off-site excursions.
For more information about this exciting program, contact Karen Nelson-Hughes at communityrelations@icmcvi.com or via phone at 777-1302.
The application deadline is Monday, April 24; applications may be accessed on the ICMC Web site: www.icmcvi.com.
