Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Trinidad & Tobago: HIKE Grant Initiative Leads the Way
July 26th, 2024 | Related To: Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business
Entrepreneurship, especially female entrepreneurship, is a vital driver of economic growth and innovation. Yet, women entrepreneurs often face significant hurdles in accessing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, hindering their business success. In a groundbreaking initiative, a recent study funded by a Hull University Impact and Knowledge Exchange (HIKE) grant in collaboration with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business has sought to address these challenges and provide tangible support for female entrepreneurs in Trinidad & Tobago. The initiative was led by Dr. Margaret Nicholson, Dr. Bianca Kronemann and Dr. Tim Hoyland of Hull University. The Policy Paper, titled “Enhancing Purpose and Resilience of Female Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Growth in Trinidad and Tobago’s Creative Industry” was shared with both the Ministry of Gender Affairs and the Tobago House of Assembly.
Through the HIKE grant initiative, 90 women from both Trinidad and Tobago received intensive training in essential areas such as sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business law. This practical knowledge has equipped these women with the tools and skills necessary to not only grow but also sustain their businesses in a competitive market landscape.
The initiative kicked off with an in-depth data collection phase involving female entrepreneurs across Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequently, comprehensive training sessions were conducted over three days in February, both in person at the Arthur Lok Jack campus and online. Additional training sessions were held over three days in Tobago at the Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute, ensuring widespread access to valuable resources and insights.
To commemorate the hard work and dedication of the participating female entrepreneurs, celebratory events were held on July 5th at the Arthur Lok Jack campus in Trinidad and on July 10th at the Bacolet Beach Club in Tobago. During these events, two women who took part in the research shared their transformational experiences, underscoring the profound impact of the training on their businesses and professional growth.
Key figures and esteemed guests present at the celebratory events included:
- Ms. Shelley Ann Hart, Director of Gender Affairs
- Ms. Karen Carraballo, Chief Entrepreneurial Officer at NEDCO
- Ms. Danscia Sealy
- Ms. Desta Salazar
- Dr. Margaret Nicholson
- Dr. Bianca Kronnerman
- Mr. Denecio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer of TADCO
- Ms. Faith B. Yisrael, Member of the Tobago House of Assembly
The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the HIKE grant initiative have not only empowered female entrepreneurs but also paved the way for a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Trinidad & Tobago. As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of women-led businesses in the region.
The Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (ALJGSB) is a leading business education institution in the Caribbean. Since 1989, ALJGSB has been shaping future leaders through innovative programs including a wide suite of Master’s programs and Executive Education courses. Renowned for excellence and transformative learning experiences, ALJGSB equips graduates with the skills to drive change in the global business landscape. For more, visit www.lokjackgsb.edu.tt.
