U.B. Doing Business in Belize City
The annual marketing expo organized by the University of Belize was held today at the Ramada Belize City Princess where thirty-five innovative business ideas came to fruition. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Students from the University of Belize partook in the tenth annual marketing expo held today in Belize City. Thirty-five great innovative business ideas were put on display, following some three months of brainstorming by student groups. The expo is a means through which the marketing department fosters entrepreneurship to boost the economy. It is also used as a grading tool for business students—fifty percent of their final grade to be exact.
Ida Arzu
Ida Arzu, Lecturer, University of Belize
“It’s where students are guided from the beginning of the semester where they are expected to come up with a product or service that is cater to a market; even if it is not visible within the market, it is something that can be adapt, but they have to look at it long term. So the expectations are that they look at is there a potential market, a market to serve, how do we compete, how it will help with the growth of the economy and how this can be for a very long time where we can also attract investors—not only locally, regional and internationally.”
It was stiff competition for the judges, as innovation and creativity by the students were unique; so much so that many of the business concepts could easily be adapted into the market. Sweet Temptation Cupcakery is for the entire family, bringing technology and bakery together for a scrumptious delight.
Shanice Nicholson
Shanice Nicholson, Sweet temptation Cupcakery
“This is a business and we use it on two platforms. We have the technology which is through the ATM, a cupcake ATM that withdraws actual cupcakes instead of money. And then we do it on the improvement of the improvement of the culinary aspect of society, where we are improving on cupcakes. We are moving away from cakes—the cutting, the paper, the napkins—and we are actually doing grab and go cupcakes. And we are do it for all events.”
Vino Tropical is debuting three flavors of tropical wines into the market. Similar, but yet contrary to the well-known Charlie’s Wines, this group of students focused on the health component of pineapple, soursop and serosi wines.
Javin Usher
Javin Usher, Vino Tropical
“They all have their own benefits. We set the price at ten dollars because in Belize, we try to make it affordable for everyone. Some people set the price at five dollars, but you won’t associate quality with the price and if it too high you won’t buy. From the serosi, you know it is a cleanse; people associate it with that bitter scent, but it is cleansing for the body. It cleans your skin and blood. Also pineapple it is a cooling and it is very good for you.”
Are you tired of seeing used tires around your neighborhood? Well look out for the Backyaadigans Furniture group. Their business concept recycles tires to create furniture, coffee tables and even coolers. Not to be confused with the Nick Jr. cartoon, these innovative pieces are great for the deck and outdoors.
Anika Bradley
Anika Bradley, Backyaadigans Furniture
“Backyaadigan Furniture is tires and we make them into furniture. It is also a center table; it can be an icebox, storage. You can use it to store your close, but most importantly, it is still a furniture. Behind this, we realize that a lot of people have used tires just in the yard, lingering around. So we took those and made the furniture out of it. We thought about it like different ideas like the center tables and stuff. So we just recycled the tires and we made these.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
At the end of the expo, the winners were announced. Most attractive booth went to Sweet Temptations Cupcakery, with Sensation in a Jar and JAC’Xent tied for second place and third place went to Wood Brite Wood Polish. The latter would also go on to win first place as the most creative product. Second place went to Tropical Walk and Kash U Kum Up came third.
