Nevisian Entrepreneur Shobaina Prince Wins Top Prize at WEEEFI Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition
Nevisian businesswoman Shobaina Prince, founder of Native Radiance, has taken home the top honour at the Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition, securing a US$3,000 grant under the Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Inclusion (WEEEFI) Project — part of the Taiwan ICDF Sustainable Island State Programme.
The event, held at the Nevis Performing Arts Center (NEPAC), saw six talented women from across the Federation pitch their business ideas in a live competition designed to reward innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Each contestant had five minutes to present her business model and answer questions from a panel of judges.
Empowering Women, Building the Economy
Project Coordinator Claudia Walwyn described the competition as a continuation of the WEEEFI initiative, now integrated into the Sustainable Island State Phase One Project.
“This phase of the project aims to create real economic opportunities through entrepreneurship and skills training,” Walwyn said. “It’s about fuelling meaningful participation in the market and supporting women and men to start or strengthen their businesses.”
The WEEEFI Project, funded by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), has been instrumental in providing vocational skills training, mentorship, and business development grants across St Kitts and Nevis.
Celebrating Innovation Across the Federation
Prince’s winning brand, Native Radiance, impressed judges with its creativity and sustainable approach to beauty and skincare — representing what organisers called “the future of local entrepreneurship.”
In second place was Patricia Haliday, owner of Vera SKN Hair and Skin Care, who received a US$2,000 grant, while third place went to Vincia Alexander, whose renewable energy microgrid project earned her US$1,000 for its potential to strengthen community resilience in St Kitts and Nevis.
All participants received certificates of participation, with prizes presented by Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), and His Excellency Edward Tao, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Women at the Heart of Progress
Organisers say the success of the competition highlights the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in shaping Nevis’ economic future.
“When we invest in women, we invest in innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth,” said one of the judges. “What we saw today was not just competition — it was collaboration, confidence, and creativity.”
With Prince’s win, the WEEEFI Project continues to demonstrate how targeted investment in female entrepreneurship can build stronger, more self-sufficient communities across the Federation.
