The Bahamas’ Marques Williams, creator of NextPhenom was selected from over 2,730 entrants as one of 32 finalists in TIC Americas
|
Panama City, Panama - A young entrepreneur
from The Bahamas was selected from over 2,730 international entrants as one the
32 finalists in this year’s Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas.
Marques Williams, who conceptualized NextPhenom, an online stage for amateur athletes
will be headed to Panama City, Panama
April 7 – 9, 2015 to present his product
in the Economic Innovation category of the competition.
TIC Americas is an
international entrepreneurship support platform and business accelerator for
young entrepreneurs and business startups. It is developed and implemented by
the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT)with support from the
Organization of American States (OAS)and their international partners,
PepsiCo, CBC, and Postobón. Categories
of competition include Social Innovation, Economic Innovation and Eco-Challenge.
TIC Americas is open to all the youth between 18 and 34 years of age citizens
of any of the Member States of the OAS.
While Williams held a soft launch
for NextPhenom in New Providence in November 2014, he said advancing as a
finalist proves that his product does have international appeal.
“I entered this competition not only
as a way to secure some sort of funding for my product, but also as a way to
get international recognition for something I’ve always believed is an
international product,” he stated. “Even if I don’t walk away with the top
prize, I welcome this opportunity because it’s a chance to network with people
from around the world. Sports, as you know, is a universal language spoken
through such recognized events as the Olympics or FIFA World Cup. I believe my
idea offers a unique concept on an international level and by participating in
this competition and meeting potential investors, this is a wonderful way to
get the validation I know it is worthy of receiving.”
Williams
is spending his days leading up to TIC Americas watching business competition
shows such as the
Dragon’s Den and
speaking with local and international businesspersons, as well as those who
have done similar events before.
“While
I am the only Bahamian finalist in this year’s competition, I hope next year we
see more Bahamians on the shortlist,” he said as a way of encouraging others to
venture beyond their local community for support. “Many times we focus on home
when we are living in a global environment so we have to think beyond The
Bahamas. I encourage anyone who feels they have an international product to
push that product internationally. There are no borders when it comes how far
you can pitch your product and expand your audience. So by all means, go after
your goals.”