Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – September 2, 2025: CLICO Credit Union (CCU) and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) have officially cemented their partnership with the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at CARIRI’s Head Office, UWI Campus.
The ceremony marked the continuation of a collaboration that began approximately one year ago. Both organizations share a deep commitment to supporting the development of youth in Trinidad and Tobago, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship development through innovation, financial literacy and business development training.
This new agreement sets the stage for greater impact through collaborative research and development, financial literacy, training & capacity building and the incorporation of technology that redound to the overall growth and entrepreneurial success of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The MOU was signed by Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz, CEO of CARIRI, and Mr. Holland Brontë Tinkew, CEO of CLICO Credit Union and witnessed by Ms. Maritza Da Silva, Senior Manager, Business Development and Marketing at CLICO Credit Union, and Ms. Denise Ferguson, Executive Manager, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at CARIRI.
Both organizations recognize their key roles in the socio-economic development of the country and have expressed a mutual interest in supporting new and existing entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, they aim to create lasting value not only for their members and clients but also for the wider national community.
In his remarks, Bronte Tinkew highlighted the important work already undertaken for CLICO Credit Union’s 18,000+ members,” including the launch of the Business Hub, the creation of the Youth Arm, and the annual Youthpreneurship Conference all focused on empowering our members – and by extension young members of the credit union.” He stated, “This partnership with CARIRI strengthens our mission to empower young people and entrepreneurs. By combining financial literacy with innovation, we’re helping to create opportunities that will shape the future of our members and our nation.” It also seeks to enhance our member benefits and attract younger people to credit unions as a financial option for their needs.
Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz also shared, for over 55 years, CARIRI has been a trusted leader in supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators across Trinidad and Tobago, providing solutions that drive growth, competitiveness and sustainability. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter, as CARIRI extends its wealth of expertise to empower CLICO Credit Union members with access to business development support, innovation services and capacity-building opportunities. Together, we will not only strengthen individual and community success but also contribute to the broader goal of national development, ensuring progress and prosperity for generations to come.”
Exciting plans are already underway for the upcoming CLICO Credit Union Youthpreneurship Conference scheduled for October 4th, 2025.
