The Taino Heritage Camp has developed an Entrepreneurship Marketplace program for young entrepreneurs. 

The persons that own/manager the Marketplace activities will be responsible for setting up businesses  themed around Jamaica’s Taino Lifestyles, both philosophical and practical.  Their business will produce both product and eductional  provide interactive programs for visiting schools, families and organized groups.

 

The Village & Marketplace Aim                    

The aim of the Village is to work in harmony with the environment and the community promoting:

 

• Promote Community Entrepreneurship

• Promote Environmental Practices

• Promote Ancestral Learning

• Promote Growth in Agriculture

 

The Young Entrepreneur Program Aim         

The aim of the program is to introduce young entrepreneurs to an ancestral lifestyle that will enhance their existing skill, develop entrepreneurial skills, increase productivity and better self-management.  

The Program encourages the need for personal development, teamwork, good work ethic and financial empowerment.

 

 

 

Course Opportunities

We offer a 2 year business opportunity that will give trainees a chance to:

 

Ÿ Gain certification in Business Ÿ Generate and sustain income Ÿ Develop Business Track Record

 

 

 

• Business opportunity in your chosen skills area

• Offer visiting groups Interactive Workshop/Programs

• Opportunity to hone your vocation

• Structured activity-based business curriculum

• Develop Life Skills

• Develop Environmental/Civic Responsibility

 

 

 

What Business Areas Can I Train in -

Residential Training & Workshops in:                     

 

 

• Business Start up, Sustainability & Expansion

• Environmental & Community Responsibility

• Business Ethics & Leadership Skills

• Proposals Writing (loans, sponsorship, grants)

• Business Management & Administration

• Team Building Skills & Networking

• Heritage Learning (The History of Business)

• Heritage Trade Skills in your chosen area

• Workshop Curriculum Development

• Sales & Marketing Strategies

• Product/Service Quality

• Accounting, Auditing & Analysis

 

 

 

 

What Businesses make up the Marketplace?

The Village Marketplace is divided into the eight (8) Skills Areas                

 

 

• Art/Craft & Pottery

• Agriculture and Agro-Processing

• Ecology & Birding

• Freshwater Fish Farming

• Restaurant and Juice Bar

• Heritage Dance & Music

• Herbal Beauty Therapy & Production (bee keeping skills required)

• Sport and Sports psychology (Rites of Passage training)

 

How Does R4Y Recruit for the Program?

Presentations will be made to schools and community centres across Jamaica

 

Recruitment for micro enterprises groups           

Candidates will be evaluated in three main areas

• Level of knowledge in chosen skills area

• Foundation Business Acumen

• Environmental Awareness

Only applicants meeting these criteria will be considered.

 

 

What is the Cost of the Program?

What costs will we have to cover each month?                 

The program has been structured to mirror a business structure.

Trainees will have to pay nominal rent, course fees, and a maintenance fee on a monthly basis.

 

What does the Maintenance & Management fee include?

The maintenance fee will cover the cost of solar energy (where applicable) water, sewage, grounds keeping, village administration and village security

 

 

How will the Village assist with generating Revenues?

The village will have a supporting network provided by the Village administration. This will assist with inviting school and corporate groups to the Village to take part in residential and day visit programs

 

Where will my customers come from?                  

R4Y has collaborated with high schools across the country and overseas, arranging field visit and in Phase 2 residential programs. The R4Y administration will also be marketing team building programs to corporate management teams.

All of which will bring captive audiences to the Village and to your business.

 

Where will my revenues come from?                    

• Each area of the Village will have a corresponding program that will be co-written by our Entrepreneurs and Village Management team.

• R4Y will organize groups to visit the Village who will sign up for different programs.

• The Entrepreneurs will send invoices for the groups they host each month to the Village administrative office. These invoices will be paid once per month.

 

Will the Village be open to the Public?                   

Phase 1 – Field Trips and Day visits

Phase 2 – Field/Day Trips and Residential Programs

 

 

 

 

 

I Have More Questions

Do I have to have extensive knowledge of Tainos to be accepted on the program?         

It is a requirement to practice your selected trade around Taino methods, but the course will assist with the skills required to develop your ability in this areas.

 

What happens if I have a booking and no-one can be there?                      

It is your job to make sure that your business is creating revenue. You need to do all you can to not lose money and maintain a good track record. You are being observed by external examiners and your actions will not only affect your business but your grades.

Also you have to remember that your business is part of a network of businesses, if you fall down in quality of service or product you are affecting the good-name of the Marketplace and Village.  This philosophy applies to all areas of your business.

 

I am a new recruit how will I continue on from the previous tenant?                       

Potential recruits will observe an observation and business theory period in preparation for their 2 year tenure. This observation period will start in July and end in September, where the Village will be closed for 2 weeks for renovations, business name changes and a hand over ceremony.  

 

 

The Application Process

How to I apply?

You will be expected to submit an application form and provide supporting documentation.  See attached form.

If you are accepted you will complete a three (3) month trial/observation period where you will have the opportunity to be selected as a new business owner in your chosen field.

You will be expected to sign a partnership agreement with R4Y Foundation and a 2-year lease agreement.

 

Can I Apply as an Individual?                      

We only receive applications from business groups of 3-5 persons. This allows for a wide skill set to be available to each business.

 

Is there an age requirement for applicants?                       

We ask that at least 2 of the three applicants are under 35 years old.

 

What Happens after two (2) years?                        

It is R4Y policy to give as many young entrepreneurs the opportunity to create their own business and develop their entrepreneurial skills. The final year of the program’s curriculum includes several modules that will assist with the independent continuation of your successful business.