Budding young business minds will have the chance to showcase their talents thanks to the launch of the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) annual Student Essay Competition, which is open to all 13 to 19-year-olds.

Participants in the competition will be asked to write a 500-word essay answering the question: 'What impact can Bermuda's youth have on Bermuda's international business community?'

Eight winners will be selected and invited to attend a private breakfast meeting on Thursday March 4 with Harold Ford Jr. - former US Representative, Chairman for the Democratic Leadership Council and NBC news analyst.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $300, $150 and $50.

"We all have a role to play in the success of the international business industry, even students", said BIBA's CEO Cheryl Packwood. "This year we really want to encourage our young people to think about what role they play right now...and to really come to understand what impact they already have on the international business community.

"Meeting with Harold Ford Jr. is a wonderful opportunity for them and I'm very pleased that the Association is able to facilitate this.

"I encourage all young people to consider participating in the competition and am very much looking forward to reading what they have to say."

The deadline for submissions is Monday February 22 at 5 p.m. They can be emailed to essays@biba.org or delivered to BIBA's office at Windsor Place, 22 Queen St. Hamilton, HM 11.

For more information and competition guidelines visit the website at www.biba.org