Front row: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, Randall Karim, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Trade and Industry, Nigel Edwards, Executive Director, Unit Trust Corporation, and Natasha Davis, Chief Operations Officer, Unit Trust Corporation welcomes cohort 4 of Scale Up TT at a Welcome Reception held on Friday 6th at the UTC’s Head Office, Port of Spain.
December 10th, 2024 — The Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), hosted a warm and inspiring welcome reception on Friday 6th December, at UTC’s Head Office in Port of Spain for the fourth cohort of its transformative entrepreneurial programme, Scale Up TT. This initiative continues to foster growth and innovation, driving meaningful contributions to the local economy and beyond.
The event featured insightful welcome remarks from UTC’s Chief Operations Officer, Natasha Davis, who reaffirmed the Corporation’s unwavering commitment to entrepreneurial development. Professor Daniel Isenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurship Policy Advisors (EPA) and founder of Scale Up International, joined the reception virtually, emphasizing the programme’s potential to create substantial economic and social impact. Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI), also addressed attendees, highlighting the Ministry’s enduring partnership with UTC in empowering local businesses to scale successfully.
The morning’s programme also included an engaging activity, “Pitch Perfect,” where participants from Cohort 4 delivered two-minute pitches showcasing their businesses. This interactive session set an optimistic tone for the journey ahead, showcasing the diversity and ambition of the various businesses.
A Growing Legacy of Success
Since its inception, Scale Up TT has graduated three cohorts comprising 35 companies employing over 1,200 people. These businesses span industries such as engineering, food, ICT, logistics, and medical services, forming part of a growing global network of high-impact entrepreneurs. Collectively, they represent a tapestry of talent, innovation, and achievement, with notable successes including regional market expansion, doubled revenues, and the development of stronger, more cohesive teams.
With 173 alumni businesses thriving across various sectors, this ecosystem continues to make significant contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape, nurturing businesses that drive progress, job creation, and community enrichment.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, acknowledged the challenges that businesses face in order to grow. She noted that successful entrepreneurs typically possess a unique combination of resilience, adaptability, and visionary thinking. She stated, “Being a successful entrepreneur is not easy. Entrepreneurs must be able to quickly adjust to new challenges, economic shifts, and technological advancements. Resilience is crucial because challenges and setbacks are inevitable; however, how you respond to them often defines your success.”
Looking Ahead
As Scale Up TT welcomes this new cohort, UTC remains steadfast in its mission to catalyze entrepreneurial growth. Initiatives such as Scale Up TT and Upreneur Plus, alongside UTC’s ongoing regional expansion efforts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Jamaica, reflect its broader vision for sustainable economic progress. With plans to deepen its presence across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), UTC aims to foster financial literacy, strengthen regional capital markets, and support shared prosperity throughout the Caribbean.
Natasha Davis, Chief Operations Officer encouraged the new cohort to embrace the power of scaling, she stated, “Scaling is not just about growth in numbers – it’s about amplifying your impact, broadening your reach, and strengthening your influence in your industries.” She further added, “By choosing to participate in this programme, you are now part of a vibrant community, a movement where ideas can flourish, and synergies emerge. Being here is also a demonstration of your ambition and commitment to contributing to the broader economic landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.”
About Scale Up TT
Scale Up TT is a unique initiative designed to equip high-potential businesses with the tools, networks, and strategies to scale effectively. The programme connects local entrepreneurs with global resources and expertise, creating opportunities for transformative growth and long-lasting impact.
As the fourth cohort embarks on this journey, UTC is proud to reaffirm its commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development—building a legacy that resonates across Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry and Nigel Edwards, Executive Director, Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), strike a pose alongside Randall Karim, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Trade and Industry, Natasha Davis, Chief Operations Officer, UTC, Deyson Scott, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, UTC and Hema Ramkissoon, Head of Marketing, UTC.
