EIGHTY-THREE participants from 17 student companies from across the island are to be represented at the Junior Achievement Company of Entrepreneurs Conference, scheduled for June 23 to June 26, 2011.

The four-day conference, which is being held at the Rex Nettleford Hall at the University of the West Indies, will focus on increasing the knowledge of and skills in entrepreneurship in the participants who established businesses as a result of their participation in the Junior Achievement Company Programme.

'Innovation in entrepreneurship' will be the emphasis of the conference. The organisers have ensured that the activities will enforce this theme.

Issues in agriculture, energy and technology will be up for discussion and participants will be tasked with creating innovative business ideas to solve challenges facing these sectors.

Additionally, a contingent of high-profile and well-experienced speakers have been booked to present at the conference. Dr Leachim Semaj, CEO of the Job Bank; Damian Obiglio, president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company; and Stephen Meghoo, general manager of IBM Jamaica; are some such speakers slated.

The public highlight of the entrepreneurial showcase is a grand expo to be held at Devon House on Friday, June 25 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The expo will feature all the student businesses that will be in attendance. Each business will have a single booth where their products will be up for display, sale and judging.

From custom-made jewellery to glow-in-the-dark pottery will be up for public critique and official judging from executives of the GraceKennedy Foundation, the Sandals Foundation and the Financial Services Commission.

An exquisite awards banquet on Saturday, June 25, 2011 will be the climax of the conference to be held at the multi-purpose room of the Rex Nettleford Hall.

The guest list includes several dignitaries from the United States Agency for International Development, Ministry of Education as well as private sector executives and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will be presented with awards and recognitions, including trophies and shares in various companies in Jamaica.