Island Luck and OWN Bahamas announced the winners of the OWN program, who collectively received nearly $100,000 to start up or expand their Bahamian businesses.

OWN is an initiative that focuses on providing entrepreneurial opportunities for people with what officials called "new and exciting ideas" within existing or new markets and industries.

Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian said the OWN program and grant fund were created to promote economic development. He said the program and grants were also established to support and accelerate the Bahamian economy.

"Since 2009 our community initiatives at Island Luck have not changed," Bastian said. "Through programs such as OWN, we seek to empower Bahamians in every way we can."

Bastian said after reviewing more than 1,000 applications, the eight selected are devoted and passionate people who had the best ideas.

Two applicants won $25,000 each. Another two applicants won $10,000 each and four applicants won $5,000 each. Winners will also receive radio and newspaper print advertisements for one year in The Nassau Guardian; garbage collection for one year; a two-week course at The College of The Bahamas and Internet and cable services for two years.

Applicants from Grand Bahama, North Andros and Eleuthera were among the winners. They include Vennie's Natural Factory, a natural food processing company; Recycled Waste Products, which turns scrap into renewable products and resources; Bahari, a clothing company; Pulpy, an all-natural frozen fruit snack; A+ Exterminator; DigiePal, designers of EmployBahamians.com; Prickle Air Fresheners, fresh scented paper fragrances, and Native Way, a collection of homemade jams and seasoning.

Bastian said he hopes Bahamians will be inspired and encouraged to develop their business ideas. He added that this initiative is the first phase of the OWN program.

The next application process will be held in June, he said.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian