What if energy could be more affordable for U.S. Virgin Islanders?
Budding entrepreneurs from Good Hope Country Day School tackled this question head-on during their 2025 Mini Gusto experience at Cane Bay Partners. This annual school-sponsored initiative challenges students to develop 21st-century skills beyond the classroom, and this year’s cohort set out to address one of the region’s most pressing issues: high energy costs.
In just five days, these young innovators transformed an idea into a fully developed business plan.
The students—Alia Hamid, Quin Sayre, Elias Ruderfer, Vedant Mittal, Allegra Ferreras, and Ayden Cintron—immersed themselves in the corporate world, interviewing our executives and staff to refine their concept.
Their business idea focused on leveraging CSP (concentrated solar power) heat for renewable energy, presenting an alternative to costly traditional energy sources.
By the end of the week, they delivered a well-researched pitch to the entire Cane Bay Partners VI (CBVI) office, fielding insightful questions from a room full of professionals, executives, and serial entrepreneurs, including our co-founders Kirk Chewning and David Johnson.
Their ability to think critically, communicate confidently, and apply real-world business insights was truly impressive.
The entire CBVI team applauds their dedication and innovation. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next!