Twenty-one young future entrepreneurs are now equipped and ready to take on the business world, having graduated from the Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago’s (YBTT) JumpSTART Incubator program, sponsored by bmobile and other corporate entities.
The intensive 11-week program, which ran from April 15 to June 27, provided participants aged 23 to 34 with comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities in a wide range of industries: food and beverage, agriculture, health and fitness, and technology. The program culminated in a pitch competition, where graduates presented their business ideas showcasing their progress and plans in alignment with the Business model Canvas and their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
bmobile, a longtime committed contributor to youth development and YBTT partner, hosted the graduates in a ceremony at their Corporate Suite. Speaking at the event, Keino Cox, Assistant Vice President, Emerging Services and Innovation at TSTT, reaffirmed bmobile’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs. “As the only truly local communications solution provider, our commitment to investing in the potential of our nation’s youth is strong,” he said. “We believe that by empowering young entrepreneurs like yourselves, we are not only fostering economic growth but also contributing to the socio-economic development of our country.”
“Before joining YBTT’s JumpSTART, I found myself paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. The business world is vast, and the more I read up on local laws and regulations, the more intimidated I felt,” shared Jordan Smith, a 27-year-old program graduate and winner of YBTT’s pitch competition. “When I saw the ad for JumpSTART, it seemed like a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I signed up, hoping to find out more about the local business world. What I didn’t expect was to find a super modern curriculum that focused on providing the tools and techniques necessary to forge my own path through the entrepreneurial landscape. So, while I am a bit sad to leave, I am also excited because I have a newfound confidence, not just in my business, but also in myself.”
Smith’s passion for gaming and business acumen shone through his winning pitch, which was inspired by his admiration for PlayStation’s corporate presentations. “I remember staying up until 4am to watch PlayStation executives take the stage in Tokyo, even though I couldn’t even understand the language. I loved watching their press conferences. The production and passion surrounding these events are what come to mind when I think ‘presentation.’ So fresh off the heels of this year’s Summer Games Fest, I wanted to mimic the style of presentation that I grew up with. I grabbed my sister’s fancy webcam, dusted off the blazer I bought two years ago but never wore, donned the PlayStation dress shirt I got for my birthday, and then practiced, practiced, practiced. I guess it paid off.”
YBTT is an accredited member of Youth Business International (YBI) and aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. According to YBTT CEO Shedron Collins, “For many participants, JumpSTART represents the initial step in their business journey, and we are honored that they have chosen YBTT as their guide. Our program begins by equipping participants with the tools to understand themselves—identifying their passions and personal goals. We then focus on addressing global and national challenges by developing solutions that resonate deeply with them. Ultimately, we ensure that our entrepreneurs create responsible business models with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. We encourage them to seize the present moment and plan strategically for the future."
Echoing similar sentiments, YBTT Board Member Georgina Terry-Cowan encouraged the graduates to stay persistent and visible in their entrepreneurial pursuits, stating, “Now is not the time to shrink. Make yourself and your business visible, not only on social media, but in person at networking events. Share what you do with friends and family and find your target market. Your passion, determination, self-compassion, self-belief, and increased visibility are some of the building blocks for your future success.”