OWN Bahamas Pours Into the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – It’s another big investment in Bahamian entrepreneurs, as OWN Bahamas is putting more than 65 thousand dollars in grants into the hands of four young business owners, helping them turn their ideas into reality and take their existing businesses to the next level.

For these four young entrepreneurs, Wednesday night was about more than just receiving a check. It was about seeing their hard work, persistence and business dreams get a major boost.

OWN Bahamas awarded a total of 65 thousand dollars in grant funding, with each recipient receiving between seven thousand and 30 thousand dollars to start up or elevate their businesses.

For Britnee Treco of Spin Drip Studios, the funding means expansion.

Britnee Treco – Owner, Spin Drip Studios

“It’s better adding more bikes because we’re booked out, and I don’t like turning people away, so it’s really great to just serve more people in our community and invite them in.”

For Bernard Petit-Homme, an AI specialist, the grant is helping him take his creative work to the next level.

Bernard Petit-Homme – AI Specialist

“I’ll be using it, it’s actually a startup grant, because I’ve been trading under my name for so long, but as for now I’m introducing more technology into my creative practice.”

And for some of this year’s recipients, the journey to this moment wasn’t their first try.

Keno McDonald of Mac Diagnostics Automotive applied right at the tail end of the application period.

But having been unsuccessful in a previous round, he says that setback only pushed him to come back stronger.

Keno McDonald – Owner, Mac Diagnostics Automotive

“Prior to, I applied for a grant a few years ago, and I had failed. But it just encouraged me to come back stronger and to put my best foot forward, and I did my really best this time, and I think I deserved it.”

And then there’s Katherine Storr of Mersquad Yachting, who says this was her third time applying.

Each application, she says, taught her something new and helped prepare her for the next opportunity. So when the call finally came saying she had won, the emotion was overwhelming.

Katherine Storr – Owner, Mersquad Yachting

“It feels very refreshing. I cried. I cried in my car actually. It’s very embarrassing. But it feels very great. It just reminds me that hard work really pays off.”