A team from Palau, KARURU EL KERUUL, took first place at the recent Start Up Micronesia competition, demonstrating their entrepreneurial skills and innovative business ideas.
The team, comprised of Carol O. Emaurois, Nestralda Mechaet, Kyle Brell, and Elangel Yanni Mesubed, impressed the judges with a focus on collaboration and networking. They were awarded $1,500 in prize money, besting teams from Yap (second place, $1,000) and Guam (third place, $700).
KARURU EL KERUUL plans to develop their winning concept into a full-fledged business, initially focusing on the individual products of each team member. Mesubed will contribute his popular body scrubs, Brell will offer handcrafted soaps, Mechaet will produce her unique Btaches Oil, and Emaurois will sell fresh juices, jams and jellies, coconut caramel sauce, and banana chips.
The team will also participate in the Palau Night Market starting in June 2024, using the platform to showcase their products to a wider audience and establish a local market presence.
The Start Up Micronesia competition provided not only a platform for talent and creativity but also valuable networking opportunities within the Micronesian business community. The event, organized by the SBDC and the University of Guam, is supported by the National Development Bank of Palau (David Proctor, CEO/President), Palau National Communications Corporation (Simon Fraser, CEO), and WillBSoil Business Services (Ltelatk Fritz, Owner).
Congratulations to the Palau team on their well-deserved victory!