Denise Ferguson
Executive Manager – Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation
Business Hatchery
Contact Me
18682990209 / 2990210
businesshatchery@cariri.com
Our Vision is to be Trinidad and Tobago’s premier platform for business start-ups, in building a community of entrepreneurs who go on to discover and innovate sustainable solutions that improve lives, connect people and stimulate change.
Mission
We are dedicated to creating a platform that enables all entrepreneurs to innovate and do their best work. We know that every business, even in the same industry, is different. Our commitment to building better businesses will challenge and engage entrepreneurial mindsets, and set start-ups on a path to transformation. We create value for entrepreneurs through collaborative interventions tailored to meet the specific and evolving challenges facing start-ups.
Signature Business Hatchery Programme
Launched in July 2014, CARIRI’s Business Hatchery continues to transform start-ups through its signature Business Hatchery Programme. We work with early stage entrepreneurs and small businesses, in helping them do amazing things over a three month duration, from validating their business, to proving marketability and refining their business model. Each year we support a select group of approximately 50 entrepreneurs who are solving problems through traditional and non-traditional products, services and technology solutions.
Our Vision is to be Trinidad and Tobago’s premier platform for business start-ups, in building a community of entrepreneurs who go on to discover and innovate sustainable solutions that improve lives, connect people and stimulate change.
Mission
We are dedicated to creating a platform that enables all entrepreneurs to innovate and do their best work. We know that every business, even in the same industry, is different. Our commitment to building better businesses will challenge and engage entrepreneurial mindsets, and set start-ups on a path to transformation. We create value for entrepreneurs through collaborative interventions tailored to meet the specific and evolving challenges facing start-ups.
Signature Business Hatchery Programme
Launched in July 2014, CARIRI’s Business Hatchery continues to transform start-ups through its signature Business Hatchery Programme. We work with early stage entrepreneurs and small businesses, in helping them do amazing things over a three month duration, from validating their business, to proving marketability and refining their business model. Each year we support a select group of approximately 50 entrepreneurs who are solving problems through traditional and non-traditional products, services and technology solutions.
Denise Ferguson
Executive manager – Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation
Business Hatchery
Contact Me
Telephone 2990209 / 2990210
Email: businessincubator@cariri.com
A snapshot of testimonials from entrepreneurs who successfully completed the Business Hatchery programme in 2015 to 2017:
CARIRI’s Business Hatchery Programme assisted us in taking a deeper look into our business concept. It made us determine a feasible and logical concept of our business model. The team seemed family oriented, making us comfortable and productive. Square meal can now be identified as an “online food delivery service;” this is a milestone achievement for us when compared to where we are [now] from where we were. We learned multiple strategies to growing our customer base, questionnaire development, business models etc.”
– Ricardo Sullivan, Square Meal
I will be applying all that has been shared during my time here at Business Hatchery especially the Pitch Techniques.
– Patrick Taylor, Green Tee Golf Club
Learned how to do meaningful and relevant R&D and what tools to use. Learned how to interpret R&D. Learned how to create a business plan specifically relevant to our business. Learned not only what to focus on, but how to organize the information in an effective pitch. Learned to tailor information to different target audiences.
– Gemma Joseph, Adio Innovative Ltd.
Pitch workshop and Market research were useful and eye opening.
– Kevan Sinanan, YFumble
The sessions on market research and business model were very useful in developing our prototype into a sellable product.
– Anil Ramnanan, HelpQ
The CARIRI Business Hatchery Programme was very helpful in focusing us forward in the business. The learning experiences from other entrepreneurs were very helpful.
– Gabriel Williams, Taxi Me Too
We learnt to develop a more comprehensive market research approach as well as to incorporate the business model canvas into the company’s business and marketing planning process.
– Rawle Rollocks, Reperio Caribbean
The Business Hatchery Programme has helped me to think through and work through the various processes with bringing my product to market, some of which may have been skipped without this training.
– Jere Andrews, Reperio Caribbean
The Business Hatchery Programme was very good at holding to deliverables. This helped us ensure that we completed key activities ie. Market research, business model canvas.
– Ava Rampersad, Ultimate Strategies Limited
I have a more focused view of developing my business and a process to approach planning
– James Hackett, Lush Kingdom
Yes I have. I started off using a freemium model but after market research and financial projections I changed to a ‘Netflix-like’ payment structure. The tools for research have and will help me in the future and I intend to contact many of the coaches for advice from time to time.
– David Hamilton, We Music Company Ltd.
I’ve gained business knowledge from the programme. I’ll use the know-how and insight I got from the presenters and facilitators to build my business venture.
– Blaine Thomas, We Music Company Ltd.
I’ve learned how to analyze a business idea to ensure its viability. How to put together relevant documentation, understand business financials, streamline market research and how to speak to investors.
– Venus Pollard, Breadkrumme Ltd.
This incubator has really delivered on its promise. The take-aways for me on this revolves around the following: Creating market surveys, understanding cash flow and developing the business model canvas. One suggestion for inclusion, managing cash flows where purchasing and ordering are done. Define a Purchase Order system as it relates to an accounting solution.
– Neil Beekie, Systemiz
Yes, definitely. I do not have a business background so this program definitely gave me insight on the essentials in running a business.
– Kerry Ann Deo, Pepper Essence
I have benefited tremendously from this programme. Over the months, I have learned a lot of business terms and strategies. The presenters were very insightful and informative. I will definitely be applying all that I have learned. Thank you for the opportunity to be here. CARIRI has provided me with an extremely positive atmosphere. For the first time in years I have experienced such an outpouring of positive energy.
– Lincoln Harris, Twin Flame Trading
– Ramona, Totesau-Peter, Easy Listening Promotions
I have benefited from CARIRI’s Business Hatchery Programme as I have learned some important tools and strategies that are necessary to undertake to increase the success of my business. I will apply what I learned by continually working on my business model and financial projections.
– Leah Fouchong, Coexistence Expeditions
I have benefited greatly from this program. I have already started making small changes and hopefully it will bring success and with constant reviewing and reflecting to make even further changes. I have to look at ways to acquire more corporate clients and review the ways to make such networks happen.
– Shalima Persad, Edible Arts Sugar Artistry
All of the information that I have received is helpful. We will be continuing my market survey. We will be seeking the expertise of CARIRI as I seek product testing. Also, we shall be developing our business from the business model canvas.
• We intend to maintain personal professional relationship with all of our clients.
• We shall be providing intimate, personal and professional service.
• We interact with our clients to ensure that their needs are satisfied.
• Co-creation is the base of our blending our drinks to meet the needs of our clients.
• We communicate with all parties of the events to produce a mutually valued outcome.
We shall be seeking the advice if CARIRI as we develop our Cocktail Bus Tours. We shall continue a professional relationship with CARIRI for a very long time.
– Charmaine Trim-Pascall, L’histoire D’une Femme
Getting a better understanding of the financial aspect of business and developing income statements and cash flow reports. Also market research (which I had already done) but in a more structured manner helped to solidify my initial decisions.
– Warren Le Platte, Le Platte Studios
Yes. The tools will be applied to move forward in my business, as well as to set up a foundation that I will build upon.
– Natalie O’Brien, NOB IT Solutions
CARIRI’s Business Hatchery programme has helped me to gain more confidence as a business owner. As an entrepreneur, I was mainly focused on the creative side of my business and neglected the management aspects. Now I am much more aware of how to manage my business. I have already started to apply what I learnt.
The programme guided me along the steps to move from a jumbled idea to a clear more focused goal. I will continue this pattern in the future as the company grows.
– Lystra Mills
CARIRI’s Business Hatchery has allowed and motivated me to pursue and ‘push’ through my business plan and its goals. Networking was a great benefit from the programme and I intend to continue to maintain those relationships.
– Shivonne Sant-Solomon, Bricks 2 Learn (B2L)
CARIRI’s Business Hatchery has sharpened my focus and entrepreneurial skills and pointed me in the right direction how to take my business forward. Most importantly it has helped me identify my Value Proposition and the plan of action to execute my short and medium term objectives. The individual coaching sessions were extremely valuable in pointing me in the right direction not only for the immediate assignment but in a general sense too.
– Colleen Cameron, Caribbean Concoctions
It is a resounding YES, I have benefited from participation in CARIRI’s Business Hatchery Programme. The business canvas was a significant learning tool for us. It allowed us to see the whole picture at a glance. It is allowing us to prepare documents, procedures, processes and manage expectations that are relevant and targeted to our goal. That goal is “The value Proposition” we deliver to the customer and end users.
– Victor Alexander, Pinnacle Farm West Indies Ltd
I now understand the financial planning and tracking elements of a business much better.
After several practice sessions I am way more comfortable speaking about my business as well as I now understand what is required for the possible audiences a business pitch would be made to.
– Nigel Jordan, Twigs Naturals
The coaches was great, as any one of them could have given sound advice based on real-life scenarios.
– Regina King, King’s Specialty
The lean canvas, business model, financial lectures and business pitch classes were all vital learning tools which I plan to implement in and throughout the business as time progresses. The business model canvas provides a clear view on where I am at and what needs to be done. The coaches were very informative and assisted in all areas, they are customer friendly and met my present need in developing skills for the business.
– Maria Seecharan, Maria’s Taste Delights
CARIRI’S Business Hatchery keeps it real and a most immense benefit [to] a business [is how] to survive in the ever changing market place and [how] to do so with a focus on a positive cash flow!”
– Darion James, ALL GREEN (TRINIDAD) LIMITED
The business model canvas and the marketing module has been most useful to me. I will be using the business model canvas continuously throughout the life of my business.
– Lucyann Henry, Henry Tyson and Associates
Understanding the market: Information was invaluable. Using the marketing strategies and networking would help me develop and grow my business.
– Jason Sheppard, WE FILL
I love the social media session and would like if there can be an advanced session to the one that was given. Marketing was also an eye opener as I was interested to research more and came across interesting ways of marketing myself.
– Shenelle Hills, De Jeunesse
Yes, I will. Market Research and Networking were the most impacting topics for me.
– David Flemming, Delineo Technologies
My entire business model has pivoted because of this course, and developments have already begun.
– Ricardo Sullivan, SkillFinder
Tools taught and valuable feedback on how well start-up may be performing. Will continue to apply as it continues to grow.
– Donna Phillips, Sustainable Foods
This programme has provided several tools that need to be employed to enable our business to grow & become more efficient. The awareness that it is not so much about my product but myability to address customers’ pain points is a great takeaway. The concept of building a brand; social media advertising great value.
– Muriel Cooper, KCi Enterprises Limited
This was beneficial as it went outside the marketing textbooks and how it can be applied in the real world of marketing. By using customer validation and other methods we will develop our business, as it will focus on the customers and not so much on the product test and pivot.
– Rebekah Dass, Kent Farms Limited
The knowledge learnt from this program would be used as a template tool for refining and structuring my business ideas.
– Jeremiah Cruickshank, Cinfinty
The insights have placed me on another platform in analyzing information, and the resources needed to not only establish the company but to take it to another level once launched.
–Djarlon Sealy
By paying closer attention to the market so I could solve their pain points
– Andre M. James, AJ Designed
The programme was an eye opener for me. While I may have played with my ideas, the programme taught me to develop the idea into reality.
– Fabian De France, Bluefins Aquatics
Financials are a weakness of mine and I was happy with the time taken to explain, give examples and practice. The workshop on food safety was also very beneficial as it explained problems I had noticed with some of my stock. I have already started implementing aspects of the course to my business.
– Lyndi Jordan, Aurora Bitayson Limited
The BH Programme is a perfect starting point for the aspiring or well seasoned entrepreneur looking to gain valuable insight into how they can navigate the dynamic world of business. It equips you with essential skills to be able to propel your business into its next phase and how to assess and realise your business’ potential success.
–Elysse Marcellin, RedInk Solutions
Simply doing the market research has opened up our business to new clients. We intend to use the techniques learned to fine tune our current service offerings. I also intend to apply the tools and the techniques learned to other business ideas in the near future.
– Kerri Smith, JD CARN ICT CONSULTANTS LTD
The programme provided a framework for (1) crafting our value proposition and (2) developing a Marketing strategy.
– Nigel Phillips, JD CARN ICT CONSULTANTS LTD
I will apply the principle of market research to grow my customer base. That, so far, has been the greatest benefit.
– Tremayne Durham, The Mayne Lifestyle
The Business Hatchery has given me the confidence I need and made certain revelations more apparent for the product I want to launch. The business jargon was certainly beneficial, as now I feel confident to pitch the business to potential investors or consumers.This programme has allowed to define my product better and to know my customer segments better and above all, given me greater perspective and direction for the business venture I am involved in.
– Janelle Nelson, Go Green Packaging
This programme has done more than expose me to new tools and techniques. The facilitators took the time to demonstrate the practical use of the tools and techniques to my specific business, and for me this was invaluable. I now understand for example the importance of on-going market research and the concept of pivoting, I also find the financial tools, the business canvas and the marketing tips to be very helpful for business planning, development and growth.
– Pastora Brown, IBG-PB Technologies
Business Hatchery is a platform in which you learn to dig into your unknown talents and experiment with things you always thought possible but were afraid to try because no one really believed in your vision.
–Sherry Stephen, La Sher Catering and Mini Mark
We thank all our applicants for taking the time to submit a completed Expression of Interest Form. We receive many stellar applications and are excited by our entrepreneurs’ journeys. However, we select applicants who are shortlisted following panel interviews based on the following:
Whilst we value experience and your analytical capabilities, what we are mainly looking for in each candidate is an entrepreneurial drive and mindset. You should be passionate about your business concept, resilient in the face of setbacks and committed in both time and energy to attend workshops and coaching sessions, for the duration of the Business Hatchery’s three month Programme.
If you can balance collaboration with independent thought, take risks and be self-motivated, then we invite you to apply online to our Business Hatchery Programme.
Are you in need of a straightforward website? Look no further! Whether you have your content prepared or not, our skilled professionals can swiftly establish a web presence for your business in just one efficient sprint. However, if your requirements lean towards something more sophisticated, we’ve got you covered as well.
Our dedicated team is adept at harnessing the full potential of e-commerce web development to provide a robust e-commerce solution tailored to your business needs. Web applications can serve diverse purposes – whether it’s a front-end application for data collection or a promotional app aimed at engaging your online audience, we have the expertise to deliver the right solution for your specific requirements.
Testing is an integral part of our process, deeply ingrained in every aspect of our work. Our team of skilled test and quality engineers seamlessly integrate smart software testing throughout the entire development cycle.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, we employ collaborative mind-maps that assist our team in executing test cases right from the development phase. This proactive approach allows us to identify and rectify any potential gaps before the completion of a development sprint.
Furthermore, we prioritize usability and functionality testing, involving both your stakeholders and ours. These tests are conducted rigorously before any of our solutions are deployed, ensuring that the end product meets the highest standards and aligns perfectly with your requirements.
Entrance into the programme is competitive and contingent upon successfully fulfilling the requirements of an application process:
No. Based on a competitive application process, entrance into the Business Hatchery Programme occurs at set periods. The inaugural Business Hatchery cycle was launched in July 2014. The next cycle is tentatively scheduled to begin January 2019.
Entrepreneurs go on to launch their own business and either pivot their original business direction (pre-Business Hatchery Programme), or advance to the next phase of CARIRI’s Business Incubator, designed to assist incubatees in commercializing their venture.
Entrepreneurs/Founders of existing start-ups in operation for a period of 6 months to 3 years. It doesn’t matter if you only have one customer or ten customers. Irrespective of the business enterprise, if you can commit 3 months of your time and energy to conduct market research, test your business model, improve your pitch techniques and develop your value proposition and financial projections, we want to hear from you. Commit to growing your start-up and the Business Hatchery Programme is an easy decision.
Businesses in diverse industries and sectors are accepted. In the past, we have accepted businesses in the following spheres: fashion, beauty, entertainment, education, retail, animation, environment, digital applications, accounting, child care services, ICT, manufacturing and food and beverage.
Submit an Expression of Interest form (online) and our team will contact you if you are shortlisted to attend a brief pitch panel discussion, at our Centre for Enterprise Development in Freeport. Following the pitch panel discussion, selected candidates can expect to sign a Business Hatchery contractual agreement and commence the Business Hatchery Programme within 2-3 weeks.
A generous time and energy commitment is critical to completing the programme and benefitting from the process of validating your business idea, learning business fundamentals, honing your pitch technique, developing market surveys, testing marketability and designing your business model. The value of the programme’s offering, peer support and mentorship networks also necessitates a fee priced at a reasonable market cost.
The entrepreneur is in the driving seat. The Business Hatchery does not own participants’ businesses or request equity swaps.
All businesses have a risk of failure. It is however much better to fail quickly and chart a different footprint, sooner rather than later. Our objective is to equip entrepreneurs with the tools to understand what works, what does not and what may need improvement. We want all our entrepreneurs to complete the programme and launch their own business or join the Business Incubator.
The programme is segmented into individual components with 5 deliverables: Base Case Analysis, Market Research, Financial projections, Business Model Development and Business Pitch.
The Business Hatchery programme delivers customized support to entrepreneurs and empowers them to determine proof of marketability for their business ideas. Our programme is rigorous, engaging and collaborative with experiential learning, practical workshops and functional knowledge networks. Our team of consultants and staff provide key insight and the necessary tools for the testing of business ideas. However, we encourage entrepreneurs “to get out of the room,” think independently and start learning by doing, by embedding group facilitation and one-on-one coaching sessions throughout the process.
If you only have an idea, you should apply to CARIRI’s Idea Advisory Service. This service is offered at no cost, and can be accessed via: Idea Advisory Service (IAS)