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An eco-friendly, agro-processing venture has won Cave Hill’s in-house competition geared at unearthing entrepreneurial talent. Oasis Blooms Garden Care emerged victorious for its innovative approach to creating fertilizers and soil enhancers from agricultural waste at this year’s CIBC-sponsored Student Entrepreneurial Empowerment Development (SEED) business plan competition.

Founded by Khala Griffith and her husband Fabian, Oasis Blooms impressed judges with its sustainable solutions and significant environmental impact when the competition and awards ceremony were held on November 27 at the 3Ws Pavilion.

“Oasis Blooms Garden Care is a sustainable business focused on producing eco-friendly, locally sourced fertilizers and soil enhancers from agricultural waste. Our products are designed to support gardeners, farmers, and community projects by providing affordable, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions to improve crop yields and plant health,” Griffith said.

As a student of ecology and environmental science, Griffith explained that the inspiration for the business stemmed from a shared passion for gardening and sustainability.

“I was fascinated by how agricultural waste could be transformed into valuable fertilizers. My husband and I brainstormed ways to reduce dependency on imported fertilizers while addressing waste management challenges, and that’s how the concept of Oasis Blooms Garden Care was born,” she shared.

Reflecting on the competition's impact, Griffith noted the transformative effect of participating in SEED.
“The SEED programme sharpened our strategy and gave us the confidence to pursue a greener future,” she said. She added, “Our goal is to empower gardeners and farmers with affordable, eco-friendly products while promoting sustainable farming practices.”

The annual competition, sponsored by CIBC Bank, has awarded $300,000 in start-up capital to 50 businesses, including Oasis Blooms, since its inception ten years ago. This year’s finalists represented diverse industries, ranging from agriculture to education and the creative arts, highlighting the initiative's broad reach and impact.

Deputy Principal of The UWI Cave Hill, Professor Winston Moore, commended the programme for its transformative role in nurturing entrepreneurship. “By allowing graduates of the SEED programme to present their business plans to a distinguished panel of judges, the competition not only encourages the practical application of academic knowledge but also sharpens essential skills such as business planning, critical thinking, and strategic execution,” he said. Moore further emphasized, “These experiences equip our students to thrive as entrepreneurs and corporate innovators. The competition has been instrumental in the creation of start-ups and innovative ventures, which contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation in our region.” He also expressed gratitude to CIBC Bank for its generous support.

In addition to recognizing Oasis Blooms as the winner, the competition awarded second and third places to KDL Music, founded by Kemal Brathwaite, and Midas Productions, led by Kiel King respectively. Finalists included Smash Burger by Sebastian Newall, who secured fourth place, and Ace It by Joshua Glomeau, rounding out the top five in this tightly contested competition.

Dr. Dion Greenidge, Chair of SEED, celebrated the programme's achievements over the past decade. “In addition to these 50 start-ups, SEED has trained scores of entrepreneurs over the years, both UWI graduates and non-graduates alike, reflecting our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth in our region,” he noted. Dr. Greenidge highlighted the diversity of sectors represented by SEED entrepreneurs, including technology, agriculture, health and wellness, education, manufacturing, climate mitigation, research, tourism, and more. “These businesses have been established across Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago,” he shared.

The SEED Chair also pointed out the programme’s success in engaging male entrepreneurs. “With four of the five finalists this year being men, this is a powerful indicator of SEED’s value in attracting and supporting male participants. In a context where male enrolment in tertiary institutions is lower, SEED is proving that there is ample opportunity for men at The UWI and within the Business School,” Dr. Greenidge said.

Ayanna Young-Marshall, SEED Coordinator, praised the participants for their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. “Your passion and determination remind us why we invest in entrepreneurship,” she said. “This programme not only helps turn ideas into businesses but also demonstrates the transformative power of innovation in driving regional development. Every one of you has shown that creativity, resilience, and vision are at the heart of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The 2024 SEED Business Plan Competition reinforced The UWI’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic development. Through mentorship, training, and financial support, the SEED programme continues to empower the next generation of regional leaders and innovators.