The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust and Junior Achievement Saint Lucia is inviting participants for “Get in the Ring Saint Lucia” 2019.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, the competition “gives startups a global podium to make valuable connections to start, grow and scale up their business. It is known for its innovative format where startups face off in a boxing ring.”

With more than 150 countries participating in the event, Get in the Ring has introduced a new unique pitching concept.

Egbert Stevens, a member of the Advisory Committee at the Chamber of Commerce described the event as a beacon event for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2019.

Denell Florius of Eco Carib was the 2018 Get in the Ring wildcard winner. He said the competition provides massive opportunities for startups as they are able to gain the required tools and skill sets that will help them improve.

Startups getting in the ring battle it out during five different rounds. Each round focuses on a relevant topic. Each startup will have 25 seconds to convince the jury on each subject, and five minutes to answer questions.

Research, Policy Advocacy, and Communications Manager for Invest Saint Lucia (ISL), Natasha Edwin-Wallcott indicated that Invest Saint Lucia is in full support of the initiative and is looking forward to future collaborations. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the global meet up in May.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 12, at 12 a.m.