Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: CTI-HITS & Wake Forest University Strengthen a Growing Legacy

CTI-HITS & Wake Forest University Gear Up for 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Intensive & Pitch Day

Every January, Harbour Island becomes a buzzing hub of business innovation, collaboration, and creativity as students from CTI-HITS and Wake Forest University (WFU) come together for a transformative week of entrepreneurial training. As preparations begin for the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Intensive (Jan. 4th – 11th) & Pitch Day (Jan. 10th), excitement is already building across both campuses and the wider Eleuthera community.

For the past three years, this dynamic cross-border partnership, inspired and supported by the Friends of Harbour Island Trade School (FHITS), has delivered far more than a workshop. It has created a life-changing learning experience that blends world-class instruction, cultural exchange, hands-on mentorship, and deep personal growth.

A Collaboration That Inspires Innovation

This powerful model pairs undergraduate Entrepreneurship and Business Studies students from WFU with CTI-HITS students enrolled in Entrepreneurship 101. Together, they spend an immersive week refining business ideas, strengthening strategies, and exploring opportunities for local and global growth and scaling.

Students develop skills in:

Market research and customer discovery
Product development and branding
Financial planning and forecasting
Pitching and investor readiness
Innovation and problem-solving

This is more than academic learning; it is a practical accelerator that supports young entrepreneurs as they shape ideas rooted in local culture, community needs, and sustainable development. The week culminates in a high-energy “Shark Tank–style” Pitch Day, where ideas take flight, and CTI-HITS students present their business ideas to an audience of community members, investors, and funding agencies. This public showcase is one of the most highly anticipated events on the school calendar.

Past participants have launched ventures in tourism, food service, retail, digital media, heavy machinery and more, proving that innovation is alive and thriving throughout Eleuthera.

OEF ensures that representatives from local business development agencies are present, giving students a direct pathway to mentorship, startup assistance, and potential funding. This ecosystem of support is key to helping young entrepreneurs move from inspiration to action.

Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of economic resilience, especially in small island developing states (SIDS) like The Bahamas. By equipping students with business acumen, confidence, and mentorship, this program helps shape the next generation of Bahamian innovators who will create jobs, solve local challenges, and transform communities.

This partnership continues to foster increased entrepreneurial readiness, greater cross-cultural collaboration, leadership, new market opportunities, and stronger, community-rooted businesses. Students often forge lifelong academic and professional relationships through this program that support their ongoing growth and development.

Donors Fuel This Transformative Experience

This program is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in expanding opportunity for young Bahamians. Their support ensures that CTI-HITS students receive world-class entrepreneurship training—right here at home.

With ongoing investment, OEF and CTI-HITS will continue cultivating talented innovators who are ready to build a stronger, more sustainable future for Eleuthera.