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Entrepreneur: Edris Whyte

StudyInJamaica.com
"Information about training and the types of assistance available to students will go a long way in helping to build a nation of educated and employable young people."
 
Meet the maker:
Edris Whyte knows the benefit of a good education. She has studied IT at Kingston’s University of Technology and marketing at University College of the Caribbean, and has professional qualifications in project management and event management. This educational grounding has helped her become the successful entrepreneur she is today. And through her business StudyInJamaica.com, she wants to help others have similar success.

In just a year-and-a-half, StudyInJamaica.com has become one of Jamaica’s most popular websites. Aimed at students, teachers and those interested in professional development, Edris’ dream is to inspire a new generation of Jamaican entrepreneurs.
 
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Edris Whyte
The golden opportunity:
Jamaican students have always been hungry to learn. But in the past, they haven’t had online resources to help them fulfil this need. Edris knew many young people who had simply given up on further education because of the lack of accessible information on local training and academic programmes, especially in inner-city areas.

She decided to do something about this, and in 2010 set up StudyInJamacia.com, which gathered together educational resources and information in one convenient place. Edris hopes the website will go on to help young people achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The business in a nutshell:
StudyInJamaica.com is a user-friendly onestop- shop that offers existing and prospective students up-to-date information on studying in Jamaica.

The site includes comprehensive details on topics such as courses, vocational training and scholarships. Those already in work can find information on professional development programmes that offer them the chance to advance their careers.

With 1,000 unique users each month, StudyInJamaica.com is a popular Jamaica-based website. At the moment, three people work alongside Edris on development, research and data entry.

I believe that significant achievements can be made as a nation if we are creative in the manner in which we make information available.
  - Edris Whyte  

How it’s helping the community:
One of Edris’ life philosophies is that education is the key to overcoming poverty, and StudyInJamaica.com offers young people the chance to improve their lives through easy access to information. Edris hopes the website’s aim of helping young people achieve their goals will help empower a new generation.

“Information about training and the types of assistance available to students will go a long way in helping to build a nation of educated and employable young people,” says Edris.
The future looks bright:
In the near future, visitors to the site can expect to see further resources including: a classifieds marketplace to help students obtain textbooks and software, eLearning programmes, careers and counselling advice, and a scholarship administration service. Edris’ target is 10,000 unique monthly visitors.

In the longer term, Edris hopes to expand the business outside of Jamaica. “The plan is to replicate the StudyInJamaica model across the Caribbean, creating employment opportunities for others,” she explains.

Fast Facts:
  • Current number of employees: Four
  • Expected number of employees in three years’ time: Six to ten
  • Current annual turnover: Zero
  • Expected annual turnover in three years’ time: $34,680 (US)
  • Investment to date: Personal savings
  • Location of headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica
 
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