National

$24K Awarded To Eleuthera Entrepreneurs At Pitch Competition

ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS – The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) brought its Venture Pitch Competition to Eleuthera Thursday night, awarding three local residents with major prizes to grow their businesses.

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2025

Italia Hall

The competition is designed to empower Bahamians with five weeks of training, business plan support, liability insurance waivers, and professional websites. After the training concludes, participants pitch their ideas for grant funding.

At the Workers House building in Governor’s Harbour, the room was buzzing with anticipation as participants vied for $10,000 for first place, $8,000 for second, and $6,000 for third.

South and Central Eleuthera MP Clay Sweeting praised the initiative and the entrepreneurial spirit of young residents.

CLAY SWEETING – MP, SOUTH AND CENTRAL ELEUTHERA
“You have agro-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural heritage stores, and boutique experiences here in Eleuthera. Young businesses aren’t always easy, so sustainability is key.”

Pitches reflected the unique spirit of Eleuthera, ranging from agri-ecotourism and fishing tours to authentic Bahamian cuisine, farms, art, and souvenirs.

At the end of the night, three entrepreneurs stood out:

First Place – Bekera Taylor
Taylor plans to expand her Bahamian-made brand while providing space for other local artisans.

BEKERA TAYLOR – FIRST PLACE WINNER
“Many artisans that don’t have a place to call home now have an opportunity with this $10K jumpstart. They can participate in our southern property in Rock Sound or northern property in Hatchet Bay, providing a consistent location to share their goods.”

Second Place – Tenielle Adderley
Founder of Sage & Sand Co., Adderley specializes in picnics, proposals, and stationery.

TENIELLE ADDERLEY – SECOND PLACE WINNER
“You’re possibly looking at the next one of the female captains in Eleuthera with license and CTSW certification. We also plan to launch three of our five picnic themes.”

Third Place – Edrin Chris Symonette
Symonette runs No Stress Swimming Adventures, an eco-tours business.

EDRIN CHRIS SYMONETTE – THIRD PLACE WINNER
“This was a very extensive process over six weeks, including putting together a business plan and pitch deck. My business focuses on eco-tours, including a Stone Crab experience, and this grant helps us grow sustainably.”

For TDC Director Steven Johnson, who has deep roots in Eleuthera, the night was especially meaningful.
STEVEN JOHNSON – DIRECTOR, TDC
“Even though 14 entrepreneurs went through the program and nine pitched tonight, it’s amazing. Giving free funding to enhance their businesses is exactly what we want to do, to help develop Bahamian talent.”

The program continues to support local entrepreneurs, with South and Central Andros scheduled as the next stop in October.