1Call has been crowned the champion of the National Finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), which was held in Barbados on June 21, 2024. The event was organized by the BYBT, formerly Barbados Youth Business Trust, which this year celebrates thirty years of support to entrepreneurs in Barbados. The EWC is a prestigious global competition, led by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Monsha’at, involving participants from over 200 countries. The finals of the EWC will be held in November in Saudi Arabia. 1Call was one of six innovative startups that pitched their businesses to a team of esteemed judges. The competition was conducted virtually via Zoom and streamed live on the GEN Barbados Facebook Page. 1Call’s presentation of their app-based solution for roadside assistance and break-down support impressed the judges, leading to their selection as the winner.
The other finalists were Maths A+ Academy – an online after-school business focusing on maths-based subjects; VOIS – a platform providing support, mentorship and investment opportunities to Caribbean entrepreneurs; VENTSpace – developing engaging games to facilitate mental health well-being; The Pop-Up Boutique – providing retail spaces to local and regional entrepreneurs; and Tots and Patooties – specializing in manufacturing and selling children’s clothing. CEO Dario Greenidge of 1Call expressed his excitement and gratitude: “This win means a lot for the team. Many people have contributed to this project, and this victory represents our collective efforts. Participating in the Entrepreneurship World Cup is a major opportunity for any entrepreneur, and being triumphant among such a stellar cast brings a sense of joy and humility. We are certainly looking forward to the next stage and believe that our unique project has a global reach and impact. What we do from here onward is not just for us but to represent every single Barbadian, whether near or far, and to demonstrate to the world that we are a powerful people.” 1Call now advances to the EWC 250 where the winners of the national finals of each country will participate in a Bootcamp, which features virtual training and mentoring sessions targeted to the company’s current stage and growth trajectory. The top 100 finalists will advance to the finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where they will pitch live for a share of USD $1 million in cash prizes.
Global finalists will also gain automatic entry into the GEN Starters Club, an invitation-only community of talented founders from around the world. General Manager of BYBT, Mrs. Cardelle Fergusson, was delighted at the keen competition provided at the National Finals, noting, “The level of talent and innovation we witnessed at this year’s national finals was truly remarkable. We are proud to support such visionary entrepreneurs and excited to see 1Call represent Barbados at the global finals." For more information about the Entrepreneurship World Cup and to follow 1Call's journey to the global finals, visit www.bybt.bb/EWC-2024. About the Entrepreneurship World Cup The Entrepreneurship World Cup is a global platform for entrepreneurs at all stages, combining a pitch competition with access to virtual training resources, targeted mentoring, perks, potential investment, and a chance to win life-changing prizes. Since its inception in 2019, the competition has engaged participants from over 50 countries and continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide.
1Call is an innovative app-based solution designed to provide comprehensive driving aid, accident, and breakdown support, tailored for insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, and vehicle owners. This cutting-edge app features roadside response, an automotive resource directory, self-reporting for accidents, and the ability to gather valuable data on users. With a vision to become the go-to solution for driver assistance and a key data resource for decision-making in the transportation sector, 1Call is set to transform the industry. Leading this groundbreaking initiative is CEO Dario Greenidge, a visionary entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience at Shine Automotive in Barbados, whose unmatched dedication drives the mission and success of 1Call. BYBT is a charity committed to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in Barbados. Through dynamic programs, we empower individuals to choose entrepreneurship as a viable employment option. Our holistic approach includes training, mentoring, and business support services, aimed at cultivating successful global entrepreneurs.
