NEDCO launches entrepreneurship month

The National Entrepreneurship Development Company Ltd (NEDCO) – an agency of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service – will be celebrating 21 years on August 2.

Since its inception in 2002, NEDCO has disbursed 13,851 loans valued at $408 million, in the process creating 20,776 job opportunities and actively contributing to the national gross domestic product (GDP).

As part of its anniversary celebrations, NEDCO has dedicated the entire month of August for an increased focus on entrepreneurship developments and accomplishments.

Speaking at the launch of the entrepreneurship month on Tuesday at the Hilton Trinidad, CEO of NEDCO Calvin Maurice said, "As we stand on the cusp of a new era of entrepreneurship, it is essential to acknowledge the resilience of our entrepreneurial community. The challenges of the past year have been unprecedented, but our entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable strength and adaptability in the face of adversity. They have shown us that innovation knows no bounds and that the entrepreneurial spirit is truly indomitable."

The month-long celebrations will include the second annual entrepreneurship week – a three-day educational hybrid conference; an entrepreneurship village and expo from August 2-4; and NEDCO national entrepreneurship awards function on August 26.

Chairman of NEDCO Clarry Benn said, "NEDCO has remained resolute and focused to deliver on its mandate and contribute to the development of entrepreneurship in a meaningful way. In addition to our lending, training, business support, mentorship and business accelerator services, we have continued to raise the profile of the micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector by creating pathways for our clients to access networks, engage in B2B and B2C activities and participate in trade shows and fora."

Benn said that in keeping with NEDCO's mandate – to drive the development and sustained growth of the local micro and small enterprise sector – it will be offering free attendance to the over 200 entrepreneurs who will be attending the conference in person, as well as the hundreds of entrepreneurs who are expected to attend the conference virtually.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Youth Development and National Service Foster Cummings, Gachelle Wilkes Edwards, programme coordinator, Project Implementation Unit at the Ministry  highlighted NEDCO's engagement with young entrepreneurs, many of whom are enrolled in the ministry's ongoing programmes. These include the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP); the Youth Agricultural Shade House Project; the Civilian Conservation Corps; the Geriatric-Adolescent Partnership Programme (GAPP) and the Military Led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT).

Edwards said that the government has made youth entrepreneurship and innovation a key tenet of its policies, and its long-term strategy. The overarching statement in the National Development Strategy-Vision 2030, envisions national economy which supports decent work for all, conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.

"I encourage youth entrepreneurs; secondary school students; female entrepreneurs; micro and small entrepreneurs – who are seeking to expand their start-ups – to join this month-long celebration," she said.

Daily News Ltd – Newsday – is a platinum sponsor of this initiative as it recognises entrepreneurship as the lifeblood of progress and change, as well as the driving force behind growth and development.

Newsday is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and regularly features small and medium enterprises in its weekly Business Day magazine.

Marketing and administrative manager of Newsday Shiva Orie, speaking on behalf of the company's MD, said, "Entrepreneurship is not merely about starting a business, it is about transforming ideas into reality, solving problems and making a positive impact on the world. It requires tenacity, resilience and an unyielding commitment to one's vision. Let us build a future where entrepreneurship is a way of life, that empowers individuals to dream big, create opportunities and leave a lasting legacy."

Over the course of next week, it will also collaborate with participants at the conference – offering cost-effective marketings and advertising solutions and guidance.

The conference's theme is Unlocking The Innovative Mindset and will have several keynote presentations, 35 expert speakers and 18 learning sessions, which will help the attending entrepreneurs leverage their potential to start a company or achieve growth for existing businesses.