Honoring the Scale Up TT Cohort 4 graduates: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, Professor Daniel Isenberg, CEO and Founder, Entrepreneurship Policy Advisors, UTC Chairman Jo-Anne Julien, UTC Executive Director, Nigel Edwards, UTC executives, and Scale Up representatives pose together on Thursday 13th February at Hilton Trinidad Conference Centre for the graduation ceremony of Scale Up TT Cohort 4 members.
February 14, 2025: The Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) celebrated the successful completion of the fourth cohort of Scale Up TT with a graduation ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad Conference Centre on Thursday, February 13. The ceremony recognized the achievements of a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and highlighted their transformative journeys and commitment to driving economic growth and innovation.
In expressing the UTC’s commitment to supporting the SME ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago, Executive Director Nigel Edwards said, “I will continue to underscore the vital role entrepreneurship plays in addressing regional challenges with innovative, localized solutions. The Unit Trust remains dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools needed for long-term success. We are not only about investing in funds but also in people. Programs such as Scale Up are platforms through which Unit Trust can nurture the next generation of Caribbean business leaders.”
Cohort 4 joins a prestigious network of 173 alums from the Scale Up TT programme, who have collectively generated over TT$460 million in revenue. This program has significantly boosted revenue generation, export activities, job creation, and strategic expansion for participating businesses, highlighting the substantial impact of scaling up.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honournable Paula Gopee-Scoon, gave the keynote address in which she advised the graduating class on the importance of incorporating innovation into their operations and processes and seizing new opportunities. “Innovation must underpin your corporate strategy. The businesses represented here this evening are proof that Trinidad and Tobago have the potential to lead in this space. Your ability to think outside the box is not only transforming your businesses but has the power to transform our nation. By continuing to foster a culture of innovation, you are differentiating yourselves from your competitors. However, as you continue to innovate do not undervalue the intellectual property that you create; establishing a clear IP strategy at the earliest opportunity is key to developing, managing and monetizing your intangible assets.”
In June 2024, UTC and The Ministry of Trade and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost entrepreneurial development in Trinidad and Tobago through the Scale Up TT Programme. This partnership has strengthened and supported the existing entrepreneurial infrastructure to promote growth across a broad base of local firms.
The programme provides a comprehensive ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, strategic investors, and policymakers to foster sustainable business growth. Over the intensive two-month program, participants honed their strategic thinking and leadership capabilities and embraced a growth mindset crucial for navigating today’s complex global landscape.
The graduating class of Cohort 4 is now part of this enduring legacy, poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic prosperity and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
