Successful entrepreneurs imagine and innovate. Just ask Bryan De Silvia, owner and managing director of the De Silvia Group Limited – parent company of Paradise Events and Rentals, D’s Trucking, and the DGL Office. Better yet, tell him. With his first ever essay contest, De Silvia is inviting future entrepreneurs to explore ‘the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur, why you would like to be an entrepreneur, & if you were an entrepreneur, what would you like to say to the government’.
It’s a meaty topic that challenges contenders to put in the thought, research and planning that separates successful entrepreneurs from also-rans.
“I’m trying to gauge to see how much young people are interested in being entrepreneurs,” De Silvia said. “In light of the way the economy is, I think that’s the way we need to go, to be creative.”
Successful entrants have a shot at the main prize of a BMX stunt bike and two weeks paid internship at the DGL Office. Runners up will get a $100 gift certificate for school supplies and an engraved business pen, or a $50 gift certificate and engraved pen.
Of course the bigger gift with a contest like this is the opportunity to explore one’s future possibilities; to consider the realities of your environment and put yourself – your talents, your skills, your know-how and potential – into the picture. It’s a journey De Silvia understands well. The self-made businessman remains committed to self-examination and self-improvement as he continues to build his ever expanding family of companies. His journey includes stints in event promotion, club management, and artiste management. His sense of vision led to one of the island’s first internet cafés, Kangaroo Express, on whose reputation DGL Office now stands. He understands the risks and the sense of purpose that must drive the entrepreneur, and he’s challenging Antigua and Barbuda’s youth to consider if you have what it takes.
Do you have the sense of wonder and imagination? Do you have the discipline? Do you have the passion?
If you believe you do and you’re a student currently attending school in Antigua and Barbuda submit between 1000 and 1250 words on the stated topic to essay@thedgloffice.com on or before April 31th. Winners will be announced on May 9th.
Do you know what a future entrepreneur would be doing right about now? He or she would be thinking up a response to the question, what are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur? He or she would be asking, would I like to be an entrepreneur and if so, why? He or she would be thinking ahead to the business environment needed for the idea to prosper and thinking up what he or she would like to say to the government on the topic.
The only lingering question then is, are you a future entrepreneur? Call 562-7884 for more information or visit the DGL Office on Facebook