Written by: Bianca Galarza, SEEDS Intern
Last Thursday, August 6th we celebrated our inaugural graduation class of our SEEDS youth entrepreneurship program with a virtual graduation ceremony. We celebrated the year long curriculum of these 83 graduating students and the 25 businesses they launched with multiple special speakers and surprises. Among the special speakers who joined us in our celebration was Ada Monzón meteorologist of WAPA, Carlos Delgado former professional Major League Baseball player, Ana Maria Garcia, Founder of Instituto Nueva Escuela, Felix Serrano, Co-Founder of Activus Connect and Karen Price, Community Affairs Director of Southwest Airlines.
Among the 25 student businesses launched our SEEDS teachers nominated a business of each school to be considered for the Gold Award.
The nominated students were:
Pets & Love, Aibonito
Guarda Costas, Barranquitas
New World, Guaynabo
Paradise Accessories, Toa Baja
Nutratierra Viequense, Vieques
These five businesses will receive weekly mentorship from Jose Ochoa, an award-winning Mexican American serial entrepreneur.
Jose Ochoa, Mexican American serial entrepreneur.
The winner of the Gold Award was Guarda Costas from Barranquitas. In their small business they seek to protect marine life in Puerto Rico through educational videos and by designing and selling one of a kind artwork inspired by our oceans in Puerto Rico. As the winner of our Gold Award, Guarda Costas will receive an e-commerce website along with mentoring with Mr. Ochoa.
As part of the graduation celebration each student received $5.00 to invest in their next business opportunity.
We thank everyone who was able to participate in the celebration of our students and their hard work coming to fruition.
It was a meaningful ceremony with special guests like Carlos Delgado, professional baseball player, Ada Monzón, journalist from Puerto Rico, and our partners Southwest Airlines and Activus Connect.
Get to know the SEEDS businesses and order their products here. For ideas of collaboration contact us at: hello@friendsofpuertorico.org. If you wish to sponsor a scholar for our next cohort click here
