Trinidad & Tobago Entrepreneurs Receive Funding at the DIA Lab TT’s Pitch Tank Competition
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – November 15, 2023 – In line with this year's Global Entrepreneurship Week theme "Entrepreneurs Thrive Here," the Trust for the Americas in partnership with the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and with the financial support of the Citi Foundation, hosted a Pitch Tank Competition at the DIA Youth Innovation Lab in Trinidad and Tobago (DIA Lab TT).
Following a week-long DIA Bootcamp designed to equip participants with the skills needed to refine their business ideas and pitch them effectively, 26 talented young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their innovative business proposals in the creative sector, agro-processing, technology, and entrepreneurship to a panel of esteemed judges. The judges, comprising Mr. Miguel Andrews, Entrepreneur and Owner of Spiritt Woodcraft and facilitator of the New Technologies module for the Lab; Ms. Kemby Ross-Jones, Founder and Owner of Rent My Tutor; and Mr. Siljan Ramphal, Managing Director of South Market 868, meticulously evaluated each business plan and its potential impact, selecting the 15 most promising teams to receive seed funding.
The winning projects were:
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Malabar Spinach Greens by Antonio Jack is a small-scale agricultural business that grows pesticide-free and healthy spinach leaves.
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Unicakery by Naomi Anderson is a multipurpose baking studio that provides high-quality, special occasion cakes, cake mixes, and desserts through fully immersive and inclusive baking classes.
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Quality Spinach Products by Yael Williams is a small business that organically and sustainably grows the Malabar Spinach crop.
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Crystal Clear Minds Academy by Crystal Moore is an online and face-to-face tutoring service for students who need assistance academically.
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Spaholics by Ayesha Mitchell is a small business specializing in beauty skin care and hair products for people with eczema and acne-prone skin.
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Lewis Floral Design Ltd by Kaneesha Primus is a luxury floral and event design firm that provides floral and special event design services.
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AWorkOfTart_tt by Malika Edwards is an upcoming pastry and catering shop.
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Roll N Tide by Mya Ellis is an Art and Music Showcase Series about youth expression and emerging culture.
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Authentic Air by Christine Khan Gopaul is an air conditioning and repair business.
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InspirationsBeautyTreats by April Castellano offers natural hair and skin care products with many locally grown ingredients.
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Marijay's by Adanna John is a small business offering handmade, natural-looking crotchet locs presented as synthetic and human hair loc extensions.
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Pro Dough Delight by Teddy Ann Quamina offers high-quality, good-tasting, and innovative protein-baked goods that utilize select local ingredients for health-conscious and active people.
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Suit Yourself by Sai Saidu is a business specializing in the rental of formal attire, focusing on providing affordable yet high-quality suits and tuxedos.
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The Fresh Press Factory Café by Kinesha Sylvester offers health-focused trendy beverages, meals, and desserts.
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Sundae Bytes Limited by Kwasi Edwards is a software Consultation and Development Company.
Beyond the valuable seed funding awarded to the winners, the Pitch Tank Competition allowed all participating young entrepreneurs to gain exposure and visibility by presenting their ideas to a potential audience of stakeholders and investors. They also benefited from networking opportunities, insightful feedback and validation from the expert panel of judges, mentorship, and guidance from the DIA Team, and a boost in confidence and motivation as they embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys. Therefore, each Pitch Tank organized by the DIA Program celebrates the youth's effort and the promise of the remarkable contributions they will make to themselves and their country.
The DIA Youth Innovation Lab is firmly committed to fostering and empowering the next generation of leaders through comprehensive business development training, mentorship, and providing access to advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. This unwavering support enables them to create opportunities for themselves and their communities, positively impacting Trinidad and Tobago's economic progress.
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About The Trust for the Americas:
The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.
More information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org
Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas
About Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA):
DIA is a regional initiative of The Trust for the Americas that was launched to foster innovation and empower new generations through access to technology training, specialized curricula, collaboration spaces, mentorship, and financial resources for social and economic ventures.
