The Launch Pad at the University of Miami Announces the Conclusion of the 2018 ReVIve USVI Economic Impact Competition

Miami, Florida, June 13, 2018. The University of Miami & The Prior Family Foundation are pleased to announce the conclusion of the inaugural ReVIve USVI Economic Impact Competition. Participants from all over the United States and its territories submitted ideas focused on helping the United States Virgin Islands recover from the devastation of the 2017 Caribbean hurricane season.
In fall 2017, The Launch Pad at the University of Miami and the The Prior Family Foundation, with its extensive ties to the US Virgin Islands, partnered to leverage the business and academic communities to spur the economic recovery of the region through innovation. This partnership resulted in the launch of the ReVIve USVI Economic Impact Competition, hosted by The Launch Pad in spring of 2018.
The Prior Family Foundation graciously donated $20,000 in prizes, awarded to the most innovative and potentially impactful ideas that would help invigorate the local economy of the USVI. To be eligible for the prizes applicants needed to provide a concept paper outlining their plans, a video pitch, and a business plan detailing how the concept would impact economic development and job creating in the USVI.
According to Brian Breslin, Director of The Launch Pad, “The ReVIve competition was a great opportunity for students and the public to express their creative energies for a great cause. We’re looking forward to seeing what great results come from this unique initiative.”
The winning entries ranged from affordable housing solutions to eco-friendly tourism initiatives. The winner received $10,000 for an innovative food and beverage concept planned for development on the island of St. John.
First Place – Leatherback Brewing Company
Building one of the first micro-breweries in the Caribbean, Leatherback is bringing a uniquely local flavor to beer in the US Virgin Islands. Employing locals, and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, Leatherback is poised to help grow the local economy.
Second Place – Virgin Islands Trail Alliance
Focusing on the number one economic driver, tourism, the VI Trail Alliance is working to rebuild the natural features of the US Virgin Islands one hiking trail at a time. VITAL is expanding access to walking trails across the islands and making new areas of the islands accessible to tourism.
Third Place – VI-Home
An innovative approach to affordable and storm resistant housing for disaster response. Using shipping containers that can be pre-built and shipped, VI-Home offers a solution to help re-house those displaced by storms.
About The Launch Pad at the University of Miami.
The Launch Pad supports students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams. Serving the UM community since 2008, The Launch Pad has helped over 5,000 people evaluate their business ideas and helped launch nearly 500 companies.
About the Prior Family Foundation
The Prior Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering the musical, educational, and entrepreneurial initiatives of the people of the United States Virgin Islands.  The Prior Family Foundation has donated tens of thousands of dollars towards these causes over the last decade.