I n a lively gathering filled with ambition and determination, 400 entrepreneurs and businesses convened at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya to celebrate their graduation from the Growing Together Small Business Training Programme. This initiative, a partnership between Coca-Cola Caribbean Bottlers TT Ltd and UWI-Roytec, marked a significant milestone for the diverse group, propelling them towards realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Over the span of a year, the programme meticulously addressed the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in today’s competitive business environment. It covered a wide range of topics, including business ownership, entrepreneurship, customer service, and finance, with the aim of strengthening the foundations of effective business management. However, it went beyond that – delving into strategies for attracting customers, creating value, and fostering innovation. The Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, underscored the crucial role of educational programmes in nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. She encouraged the graduates to apply their newfound skills to not only manage businesses effectively but also drive change within the community.
The Minister’s call to embrace formal business practices carries significant weight, paving the way for streamlined operations and access to government initiatives supporting SME growth. Furthermore, she emphasized the value of continuous education, market awareness, and risk management as cornerstones for sustainable business expansion. This advice holds particular relevance in a global market where understanding customer feedback and staying ahead of trends are decisive factors for business success.
Camille Chatoor, General Manager of Coca-Cola Caribbean Bottlers TT, and Wendy Augustus, Executive Director of UWI-Roytec, expressed their pride in the graduates, viewing their commitment as a symbol of hope for Trinidad and Tobago’s business sector and communities at large. By equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge, the programme is poised to make a significant positive impact on the island’s economy and societal well-being.
The Growing Together Small Business Training Programme is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by SMEs, not only in Trinidad and Tobago but across the Latin American and Caribbean regions. According to insights from IDB Invest, such collaborations are crucial for SMEs to overcome obstacles in internationalization and market penetration. Similar initiatives, like Diverpymex in Argentina, have yielded promising results in enhancing SMEs’ export behavior, growth, and productivity. The impact of these collective efforts in supporting the backbone of the economy cannot be overlooked.
As the graduates of the Growing Together programme embark on the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey, they do so as pioneers of innovation and change. Their success is poised to inspire others, contributing to a vibrant and resilient business community in Trinidad and Tobago. This marks not only the conclusion of a programme but the dawn of a new era of entrepreneurship on the island.
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