By Sharon N Simon
In the landscape of Antiguan entrepreneurship, the CIWiL Fempreneur Fund is proving to be more than just a financial boost—it is a catalyst for community-focused innovation.
As the fund — a partnership between the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL), the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP), and Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB) — enters its third cohort, the stories of previous winners illustrate how targeted support can scale local social impact.
A standout success from the inaugural year is Sharon Brusch, founder of Brusch Services and the mastermind behind “Needful Thingz.” Her model is a masterclass in sustainable giving, operating feminine hygiene vending units in high-traffic bathrooms to provide an essential service for women.
However, profit is not the primary goal; Needful Thingz was conceptualized to create a sustainable income stream for “Bubbles Beyond Borders,” a global campaign supporting the Sunshine Home for Girls. Brusch provides mentoring, counseling, and essential personal care items—like school socks and undergarments—that are often overlooked by traditional donations.
Winning the Fempreneur grant allowed Brusch to scale this vision significantly. Today, her business is expanding with new units being installed at the AUA Pre-med campus and the university’s new conference center. She emphasizes that the experience offered benefits far beyond the financial award, citing the networking and training from the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) as vital to her growth.
The momentum continued into Year Two with winner Gayno Samuel, who is redefining eco-tourism through Sugar Pan Site. Located where nature, culture, and wellness meet, Sugar Pan Site offers an immersive experience featuring a campsite, restaurant, hiking trails, and a nature park.
Samuel has tapped into the growing demand for serenity and wellness, offering everything from overnight stays and day trips to a curated menu of vegetarian meals and local teas. Like Brusch, Samuel’s success highlights the fund’s ability to support diverse industries, from high-tech vending to sustainable tourism.
As CIWiL leaders roll out the third cohort—which has seen a 15% annual increase in grant totals—the future for entrepreneurs like Brusch and Samuel remains bright. For these women, the mission is far from over. Brusch continues to work toward placing units in the Public Market Square and the cruise port, while Samuel invites the public to “come for the adventure and stay for the peace.”
Together, they represent the true “Fempreneur” spirit: building successful businesses that feed both the body and the soul of the community.