As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and supporting creative entrepreneurs, Kingston Creative hosted its fourth annual pitch competition on Friday November 24 at the new Kingston Creative coworking space located at 107 Harbour Street. Developed in partnership with the IDB Lab, JAMPRO and the Development Bank of Jamaica, ‘Best Pitch Forward’ showcases the exceptional talent and innovative ideas from the Orange Economy and ensures that the best startups receive funding.

The competition provided a platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel from the private, public and multilateral sectors. The judges were Christopher Brown, General Manager, Development Bank of Jamaica, Rezworth Burchenson, CEO, VM Wealth Management and Mr. Simon Johnson Senior Specialist, IDB Lab. These business experts carefully evaluated each pitch based on its originality, market potential, creativity, scalability, and the overall viability of the business model.

Creatives were provided with access to training sessions, coaching and a pitch preparation guide. From the 118 applicants, only 10
creative entrepreneurs were shortlisted to pitch their ideas:

• Ashantia Stewart, founder of Ascendev,
• Joshua Solas, founder of BAD ART Gallery (SOLASINK),
• YaniÈue DaCosta, founder of Eventide,
• Ina Sotirova, founder of Mango Magic Ltd,
• Glacis Gordon, founder of Sulay,
• Moken Marsai, founder of Synclair Studio,
• Daniel T. Edwards, founder of The 180 Vision LLC (Long Story Short),
• Kristofferson Nunes, founder of The Career Doc.,
• Ajoeanna Brown, founder of Zah.Rhyne’s Design
• Shawneil Bailey-Gordon, founder of Zarabelle.

After the deliberations, Shawneil Bailey-Gordon emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of $250,000 and also copping the People’s Choice award, worth an additional $50,000. This funding will serve as a catalyst for her business growth, providing the necessary resources to propel Zarabelle’s web-based talent casting platform onto the global stage. Kristofferson Nunes, representing The Career Doc secured the second-place prize of $150,000, while Daniel T. Edwards of Long Story Short Jamaica received $100,000.