Empowering Creativity and Local Business Growth: The Power Up Design Contest
What happens when creative minds join forces with local businesses? Innovation flourishes, and communities grow! At Internet Income Jamaica (IIJ), we believe in the transformative power of creativity. The Power Up Design Contest brought this vision to life, showcasing how design talent and entrepreneurial spirit can uplift small businesses and empower creators.
This was more than a competition. It became a platform for emerging talents to gain real-world experience while empowering local businesses with innovative solutions. From striking posters to impactful social media campaigns, participants delivered creative solutions to help these businesses thrive in a competitive market.
Let’s explore the journey, celebrate the winners, and honor the initiative that made it all possible.
Nurturing Talent to Transform Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, creating jobs, supporting families, and preserving our culture. Yet many struggle to keep pace in a competitive market, often lacking the resources for professional branding and marketing.
The Power Up Design Contest was created to bridge this gap. It connected small businesses with talented students, offering a win-win opportunity:
- For Students: A chance to gain valuable experience, showcase their skills, and make a tangible difference.
- For Businesses: A fresh perspective on their branding, stronger market visibility, and tools to connect with customers.
Inside the Power Up Design Contest
The contest brought together students from transformative programs like Digital Jampreneur (in collaboration with the DIA Urban Lab), The Trust for the Americas JET Programme, and the NCB Level Up Programme came together to create professional-grade designs for three standout businesses:
JamShed Food & Beverages: focuses on producing vibrant sauces and beverages inspired by Jamaican flavors. With its bold orange and green branding, the business reflects a lively and energetic spirit. Known for its fresh approach to food and drink, JamShed aims to bring quality and creativity to every product.
C&J Enterprise and Restaurant: is a family-friendly eatery located in Duhaney Park, Kingston. Specializing in hearty Jamaican meals, the restaurant is a go-to spot for comforting dishes in a warm and welcoming environment. Its earthy color palette reflects the grounded, homely vibe that customers love.
Laffai’s Stylish Boutique: offers a curated selection of fashionable clothing and accessories. With its signature purple, pink, and white branding, the boutique emphasizes elegance and individuality, appealing to customers seeking stylish yet versatile pieces.
The Challenge
Participants were given the opportunity to create professional-grade marketing materials tailored to their chosen business. Each submission included:
- A promotional poster designed to grab attention.
- Five social media posts for building online presence.
- Ten creative marketing strategies customized to the business’s branding goals.
The Process
Once submissions were in, a panel of judges carefully reviewed each entry to shortlist three finalists for each business. These finalists then presented their work to the business owners, who made the final decision, selecting winners that best captured their vision and goals.
The Prizes
Nine winners were chosen—1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each business—and received exciting, practical prizes designed to support their creativity and future growth:
- 1st Place Winners (3): HALO Bolt portable chargers with USB ports, an AC outlet, LED flashlight, and jump-start cables. (valued at $220 USD)
- 2nd Place Winners (3): Portable power banks.
- 3rd Place Winners (3): JMD $1,000 phone credit.
Celebrating Creativity and Achievement
Creativity is not only about aesthetics; it’s about finding solutions and telling stories that resonate. This was evident in the work submitted by the participants. Let’s take a look at how each winner redefined the businesses they supported.
JamShed Food & Beverages: Bold Designs for Bold Flavors
1st Place: Latanya Lawrence
Latanya’s modern logo and dynamic product packaging perfectly capture JamShed’s bold and flavorful identity.
2nd Place: Ruth Schroetter
Ruth added flair with her creative use of typography, incorporating the word “SAUCE” in a playful yet sophisticated way.
3rd Place: Shante Sinclair
Shante’s rustic, food-inspired visuals charmed the judges, highlighting JamShed’s artisanal appeal.
C&J Enterprise and Restaurant: Designs That Feel Like Home
1st Place: Annesha Gordon
Annesha’s polished designs captured the homely, welcoming vibe of C&J, resonating with both the owners and their loyal customers.
2nd Place: Stephanie Prince
Stephanie brought a modern edge to C&J’s social media, helping them connect with a broader audience online.
3rd Place: Ceyon Baugh
Ceyon’s designs celebrated the restaurant’s values with earthy, inviting tones and thoughtful visual storytelling.
Laffai’s Stylish Boutique: Where Fashion Meets Creativity
1st Place: Allicson Wellington
Allicson’s sleek visuals and modern branding elevated Laffai’s professional image, turning heads online and in-store.
2nd Place: Tanisha Bartley
Tanisha used bold colors and sharp alignment to create eye-catching designs that reflected the boutique’s vibrant energy.
3rd Place: Yannica Mitchell
Yannica’s minimalist approach emphasized sophistication, perfectly complementing Laffai’s upscale style.
A Spotlight on the Winners
Annesha Campbell Gordon
Ruth Schroetter
Stephanie Prince
Tanisha Bartley
How These Designs Made a Difference
The impact of the Power Up Design Contest went far beyond the participants. Each business saw tangible benefits from the creative work submitted:
- Improved Visibility: Through creative social media strategies and authentic visual storytelling, these designs helped businesses attract new customers and build stronger connections.
- Enhanced Branding: Professional-quality designs helped businesses stand out in competitive markets.
A Big Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible programs that nurtured and prepared our talented participants:
- The Trust for the Americas JET Programme
- NCB Level Up Programme
- Digital Jampreneur (in collaboration with the DIA Urban Lab)
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
The Power Up Design Contest wasn’t just about competition; it was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and community. By pairing emerging talents with local businesses, we demonstrated the incredible impact of innovation and teamwork.
To all the winners, participants, and supporters—Congratulations!
Your passion, creativity, and hard work have left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s small business landscape. At Internet Income Jamaica, we’re proud to support initiatives that empower our brightest minds and boldest ideas.
