The Innovators promises more growth in communities
THE IMPACT of businesses on communities in which they operate will again be the main focus of contestants in the reality television series, The Innovators as the show launches its seventh season this month.
The concept ‘Community Innovators’ was used in the sixth season and underlined the challenges faced by 10 upcoming entrepreneurs as they worked to make their operations beneficial for them and other persons in their respective communities. This season will retain the same focus.
“Over the past six years The Innovators TV series has become a positive disruptor in the Jamaican entrepreneurial ecosystem by nationally showcasing the growth and journey of unsung micro and small businesses, while highlighting fundamental business lessons, which improved their profitability and sustainability,” stated Yaneek Page, creator, executive producer, and co-host of The Innovators TV series.
“For our seventh season, we are promoting and putting into practice the synergy between community members and enterprises to influence entrepreneurs to build deeper connections within their neighbourhoods for mutual reward,” she said.
“When businesses integrate with communities, it augurs well for national development and equitable growth,” she added.
The Innovators is a 30-minute reality TV series, which was first aired in 2012, that challenges up-and-coming entrepreneurs dubbed ‘assignments’. The show is now being aired in 18 countries.
The ‘assignments’ glean strategies from their mentors to manage and enhance their operations to achieve financial success. The winner of the series receives a cash award from JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL).
MIND-BLOWING POSSIBILITIES
“We want to encourage participants to make a deliberate effort to build their communities through entrepreneurship and business growth. The journey begins with Season Six of our pioneering entrepreneurial show, and we know that the possibilities will be mindblowing,” Page stated.
Gillian Hyde, general manager of JNSBL, sponsors of The Innovators for a fourth consecutive year, pointed out that the theme was in keeping with JNSBL’s outlook to build the economic base of communities through business growth.
“Community-based operations are critical to the Jamaican economy, with many companies increasing employment in their business environment and using the services of other businesses in their locations. Many of these operations are also making increased contributions to the national economy, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, retail, and tourism,” Hyde said.
“The decision of The Innovators to maintain focus on the community entrepreneurs theme is welcome because it will expose more micro entrepreneurs to the wider society. We firmly believe that highlighting businesses which impact communities will generate positives for both the operators and their communities,” she added.
Over the past six years, ‘The Innovators’ TV series has become a positive disruptor in the Jamaican entrepreneurial ecosystem by nationally showcasing the growth and journey of unsung micro and small businesses.