The Trust for the Americas, CARIRI and Citi Foundation Grant Seed-Funding to Young Entrepreneurs from the DIA Lab TT
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, February 28, 2024. In June 2021, representatives from The Trust for the Americas, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), and the Citi Foundation opened the DIA Youth Innovation Lab in Trinidad and Tobago (DIA Lab TT) with one specific mission: to sow the seeds of innovation and opportunity in the hearts of young entrepreneurs and cultivate a generation of disruptors, innovators, and changemakers, armed with nothing but their ideas and a burning passion to make a difference.
Fast forward to today, the DIA Lab TT has evolved into more than just a hub for technological training, mentorship, and access to advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. It's a catalyst for young entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life, supported by seed funding provided by the Pitch Tank Competitions. This transformation was evident on February 28, as nine promising individuals, selected for their creativity and determination, gathered at CARIRI's Centre for Enterprise Development. There, amidst palpable excitement, they presented their innovative business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges. The diverse range of ventures, from eco-friendly skincare to cutting-edge agricultural technology, captivated the audience and impressed the judges.
Following a thorough evaluation, six exceptional entrepreneurs emerged victorious, securing a total of USD 6,250 in seed funding:
- The Youthful Touch Sustainable Skincare by Qiara Mc Neill is an eco-friendly skincare and wellness brand committed to making high-quality and accessible products.
- Fresh 2 Go by Adriana Edwards: aspires to become the sole provider for all "prep items" needed to create any meal, whether for a restaurant or a family kitchen.
- Mustard Seed Ink Printing Services by Cherisse Ellis is a custom printing and supplies store focusing on unique and creative designs.
- H2O Grow: Modular drip irrigation, a weed-controlled system by Antonio Ramcharan, aims to marry the disciplines of agricultural technology with engineering by implementing modern agrarian techniques into their operations.
- O & J Sustainable Landscaping Services-Composting Project by Osaro Joseph is an agriculture and landscaping business focused on sustainable solutions.
- Shugaboo Bakery by Savita Ramoutarsingh is a small online specialty bakery business.
But the Pitch Tank Competition wasn't just about the winners; it celebrated innovation and determination. All participants seized the opportunity to showcase their ideas, network with industry leaders, and gain invaluable feedback and mentorship. With newfound confidence and motivation, these budding entrepreneurs are poised to make a lasting impact on Trinidad and Tobago's entrepreneurial landscape.
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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.
