Entrepreneur Eric scoops award

Eric Bishyika with Hyacinth Lightbourne

OLDHAM College student Eric Bishyika has been rewarded for his entrepreneurial efforts.

The 17-year-old, from Hollinwood, was presented with a Jamaica Society Young Achiever’s Recognition Award in Entrepreneurship at the Jamaica Independence Dinner and Dance.

The awards for young people of African or Caribbean descent aim to recognise minority talent and contributions made in the local community.

Eric, who launched his own clothing range, is about to start his second year of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy — an entrepreneurial course where students are given the chance to start up and run their own business.

He was nominated by his tutor Shazia Afzal, who felt he was an exceptional candidate.

Four years ago at Oasis Academy, Eric, who had left Africa as a five-year-old under very difficult circumstances, set up SW Clothing.

Since then, his business has boomed with independent retailers stocking his clothes, fashion shows, as well as a stall in Afflecks Palace, Manchester.

Shazia said: “Eric has demonstrated creativity, focus, motivation, vision and great business skills to drive forward his dream.

“He also has an ambition to give back to other young entrepreneurs in the third world which is really admirable for someone of his age.

“I nominated Eric for both his entrepreneurial skills as well as his ability at overcoming obstacles which has resulted in the creation of a really successful business.”

A delighted Eric said: “I chose my course as I saw how it led to success for other students and because it was founded by Dragons’ Den member Peter Jones, who is one of my role models.

“My future plans are to grow my business worldwide, to make SW Clothing into a globally-recognised brand and build a foundation to help other young entrepreneurs to dream and achieve great things.”