Pearls VI cops Business of the Year 2015!
It was the culmination of an almost year long process whereby a business was awarded Business of the Month every month by the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs.
Last evening, the nine businesses faced off in a hotly contested competition akin to the television show Shark Tank, where business owners had to pitch their business operations and plans for expansion to a panel of professionals who were brutal in their questioning and assessments.
The businesses taking part in the competition, all of whom were adjudged Business of the Month at some point in 2015, were F & M Halal Outlet, Akiya Brewley Designs, Greencrete BVI, The Rock Cafe, Mi Amor Jewellers, Trefle Designs, Pearls VI, Sole Day Spa and Bella Blooms. Trefle Designs won the People’s Choice Awards, voted by members of the audience using voting cards.
The winner Pearls VI received a sum of $5,000 for copping the title of Innovative Business of the Year and $12,500 for the title of Business of the Year, monies which will go towards her business.
When approached for a reaction to her business winning both the Innovative Business of the Year and Business of the Year 2015 titles, business owner Alexandra V. Durante said she was shocked and surprised by the accomplishment.
“I am shocked. I mean everybody put together a good run. I’ve had many sleepless nights this week,” she said.
“But I pulled it together and I knew that I had a good run and that I was up against really good people so I needed to make an impact right away....but I feel amazing. It means that our hard work has paid off,” she said following her win.
Prior to the announcement of the winners, each of the contestants had two minutes to pitch their business to the five judges.
The show was hosted by Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Karia J. Christopher and speeches came from Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).
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