Bmobile joins YBTT

The Youth Business TT (YBTT) Jump Start Incubator Programme celebrated its entrepreneurial graduates of the virtual two-month programme with a ceremony featuring past graduands, mentors and corporate sponsors. The event was held at the TSTT Hospitality Suite at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain recently, a release from TSTT said.

Khamal Georges, senior manager, corporate, environmental, social and reputation management said, "Entrepreneurs drive more than a third of our GDP as a nation. And in these unprecedented times, our support of YBTT is directed at improving the likely successes of young entrepreneurs who, in turn, make meaningful contributions to our overall economic well-being. They also seek to solve challenges that we experience in socially responsible ways, which is a boost to our overall well-being."

Georges added that the Bmobile Foundation offers support in business, sports, education, health and culture.

"Our corporate responsibility is intended to not only create short-term benefit but also comprises the broader view of creating positive impact for the society that is part of our very DNA."

The programme is designed to cater to individuals aged 18-35, aiming to invigorate their mindsets, generate business ideas, transform those ideas into reality and ensure the sustainability of their entrepreneurial endeavours. The organisation employs a three-pronged approach to their entrepreneurial development program including training, mentorship –as a means of motivation– and the cultivation of peer-to-peer networks.

One programme graduate, Dareem Jeffrey, founder of EcoWash, encouraged graduates to focus on the simple things.

"Don't aim to reinvent the wheel, but maybe put some rims on it instead. Figure out how to make your marketing different or your customer service better. These things matter. Remember that you may lose good friends in entrepreneurship, but you will gain great ones, you may lose sleep, but you can afford amazing vacations."

EcoWash has won numerous awards for its novel autonomous car wash service that only requires two litres of water to wash one vehicle. At scale, the impact conserves water while his customers shop at various malls and locations where his location-independent business operates.

Charles Maynard, general manager of National Enterprises Ltd (NEL), also left advice for graduands, "Be your authentic self especially in business; that's number one. The second thing is that while we all want to change the world, focus on local solutions to local problems. For this, you can take notes from Mr. Jeffrey and his EcoWash solution."

NEL is an investment holding company that consolidates the government's shareholding in selected State Enterprises (including TSTT). Charles also said entrepreneurs should be mindful of creating wealth and not simply earning money.

Other speakers included Atiba Henry, a 2023 Incubator graduate; Michelle Johnson, marketing manager of business segments of Republic Bank; Lisa Ann Joseph, managing director of Reputation Management Caribbean and newly appointed director of YBTT.

Several graduates also received special recognition and prizes, including: business pitch winner, Atiba Henry, runner-ups, Delisia Joseph and Khachielle Farmer, most innovative and social business idea, Ayodhya Ouditt, Google Classroom representative, Kai Emmanuel and judges choice, Brittney Roberts.