DIA Bootcamp Press Release
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. 29th February 2024.
In collaboration with the Trust for the Americas and the Citi Foundation and as part of CARIRI’s thrust to Build Better Businesses, we hosted a Bootcamp and Pitch Tank Competition at the DIA Youth Innovation Lab in Trinidad and Tobago (DIA Lab TT).
Nine (9) promising young entrepreneurs attended a Pitch Boot Camp session on 21st February 2024, designed to provide a comprehensive training ground to refine their pitching skills and enhance their entrepreneurial acumen. The boot camp was curated with specific examples so the participants would gain invaluable insights into crafting compelling pitches, honing their presentation techniques, and mastering the art of communicating effectively.
Following the rigorous Bootcamp session, the nine (9) entrepreneurs utilized the knowledge gained to pitch their innovative business ideas, ranging from agro-processing and drone technology to cosmeceuticals and printing, to an esteemed panel of judges on 28th February 2024 at CARIRI’s Centre for Enterprise Development. The panel included Mrs Denise Ferguson, Executive Manager, Entrepreneurship, Development and Innovation, CARIRI; Mrs Kemby-Ross Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Reny My Tutor; and Mrs Lynette Akong, Senior ICT/Business Coordinator, CARIRI, who evaluated each business idea meticulously, assessing its potential impact. Following a comprehensive evaluation, six (6) entrepreneurs were awarded seed funding totalling USD 6,250:
1. The Youthful Touch Sustainable Skincare by Qiara Mc Neill is an eco-friendly, clean skincare and wellness brand committed to making high-quality skincare accessible and sustainable.
2. 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.
3. Mustard Seed Ink Printing Services by Cherisse Ellis is a custom printing and supplies store focusing on unique and creative designs.
4. H2O Grow: Modular drip irrigation, weed-controlled system by Antonio Ramcharan aims to marry the disciplines of agricultural technology with engineering by implementing modern agricultural techniques into their operations
5. J Sustainable Landscaping Services- Composting Project by Osaro Joseph, is an agriculture and landscaping business focusing on sustainable solutions.
6. Shugaboo Bakery by Savita Ramoutarsingh is a small online speciality bakery business.
Aside from the significant seed funding granted to the winners, the Pitch Tank Competition provided an avenue for all participating young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a wide array of stakeholders, thereby enhancing their visibility and exposure. Additionally, they availed themselves of networking prospects, received valuable feedback and validation from the esteemed panel of judges obtained mentorship and guidance from the DIA Team, and experienced a surge in confidence and motivation as they embarked on their entrepreneurial endeavors. Consequently, each Pitch Tank orchestrated by the DIA Program commemorates the efforts of youth and underscores the promise of their remarkable contributions to themselves and their nation.
The DIA Youth Innovation Lab is dedicated to nurturing and empowering our young generation and prospective leaders through business development training and mentorship and providing access to advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. This support enables them to create opportunities for themselves and their communities, positively contributing to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic progress.
The DIA Youth Innovation Lab Trinidad and Tobago is a collaborative effort between The Trust for the Americas (TRUST), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Citi Foundation, and the local implementing partner, The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI).