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The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) SME Market Mentorship Programme is designed to provide potential issuers through a comprehensive programme that covers the key themes necessary to position a company to list on the TTSE. Industry professionals, who strategically develop their competencies, mentoring directly and contributing to the companies’ growth, innovation, and overall strategy, administer the Programme. It is geared to improve customer and investor confidence in the listed companies. The SME Market Mentorship Programme demonstrates the willingness of the TTSE to invest the time and resources necessary to assist companies to operate in an efficient manner on the stock market.

As part of its SME Market, the TTSE’s Mentorship Programme aims to provide SMEs with the guidance required to successfully transition and grow its business, whilst practicing good corporate governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Mentor appointed?

A Mentor is appointed by the SME to perform the functions and responsibilities of a Mentor in accordance with the TTSE SME Mentorship Rules having entered into an appropriate Mentorship Agreement with the SME. An Appointed Mentor must be an Approved Mentor.

Who can serve as a Mentor?

At a minimum, a Mentor must:

• Hold a valid Fit and Proper Certificate or Letter of No Objection issued by a local or foreign financial regulator; or
• Assessed as Fit and Proper by the TTSE.

Further details are outlined in the TTSE SME Market Rules.

How can the TTSE Mentorship programme help SMEs?

The TTSE SME Mentorship programme is an initiative that aims to strengthen the SME’s capacity to operate within general industry standards with respect to corporate governance, financial reporting and disclosure of material information. A Mentor can:

• Assist SMEs in entering the stock market;
• Diagnose gaps in compliance and corporate governance within the SME; and
• Review and enhance the governance and reporting structure to assist SMEs in operating as a public company.

Further information on the TTSE Mentorship programme can be obtained from the TTSE website

Where can I obtain a list of Approved Mentors?

A list of the Approved TTSE Mentors can be obtained on the TTSE’s website.

For further information, please visit the TTSE SME Market Mentorship Programme website: : 

TTSE SME Mentorship Form

Or contact TTSE via e-mail at smemarket@stockex.co.tt

The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) SME Market Mentorship Programme is designed to provide potential issuers through a comprehensive programme that covers the key themes necessary to position a company to list on the TTSE. Industry professionals, who strategically develop their competencies, mentoring directly and contributing to the companies’ growth, innovation, and overall strategy, administer the Programme. It is geared to improve customer and investor confidence in the listed companies. The SME Market Mentorship Programme demonstrates the willingness of the TTSE to invest the time and resources necessary to assist companies to operate in an efficient manner on the stock market.

As part of its SME Market, the TTSE’s Mentorship Programme aims to provide SMEs with the guidance required to successfully transition and grow its business, whilst practicing good corporate governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Mentor a mandatory requirement for listing on the TTSE SME Market?

Yes. Unless the TTSE agrees otherwise, an Eligible SME shall, prior to initial admission to the TTSE SME Market, engage the services of an Approved Mentor and Appointed Mentor.

What is the difference between an “Approved Mentor” and an “Appointed Mentor”?

An Approved Mentor is a person approved by the TTSE to perform the functions and responsibilities of a Mentor in accordance with the TTSE SME Mentorship Rules. This individual is included in the TTSE’s list of Approved Mentors.

An Appointed Mentor is a person appointed by an SME to perform the functions and responsibilities of a Mentor in accordance with the TTSE SME Mentorship Rules having entered into an appropriate Mentorship Agreement with the SME. An Appointed Mentor must be an Approved Mentor

Who can serve as a Mentor?

At a minimum, a Mentor must:

• Hold a valid Fit and Proper Certificate or Letter of No Objection issued by a local or foreign financial regulator; or
• Assessed as Fit and Proper by the TTSE.

Further details are outlined in the TTSE SME Market Rules.

Can an entity be a Mentor to a SME?

Yes.  An Entity can be a Mentor to an SME provided that  a Senior Officer within the Entity is appointed to act as an Appointed Mentor who shall at a minimum hold a valid Fit and Proper Certificate or Letter of No Objection issued by a local or foreign financial regulator or Assessed as Fit and Proper by the TTSE .

How many SMEs can an Approved Mentor simultaneously mentor?

An Approved Mentor may act simultaneously as an Appointed Mentor for up to two (2) SMEs.

Where can I obtain a list of Approved Mentors?

A list of the Approved TTSE Mentors can be obtained on the TTSE’s website. (stockex.co.tt).

How long is an SME required to have a Mentor?

The SME should engage the services of an Appointed Mentor for a period of no less than five (5) years.

Can an SME change its Appointed Mentor?

Yes

Can an Independent Director act as an Approved Mentor?

An Independent Director may be appointed to act as an Appointed Mentor only after an initial period of no less than three (3) years.

Are Appointed Mentors remunerated?

The decision to remunerate the Appointed Mentor shall be between the SME and the Appointed Mentor.

Is there a formal agreement between the SME and the Appointed Mentor?

Yes. Prior to listing on the SME Market, the Appointed Mentor and the SME shall enter into an Agreement. The TTSE will provide the SME with a Mentorship Agreement template.

What are the functions and responsibilities of an Appointed Mentor to an SME?

The Appointed Mentor’s functions and responsibilities shall be performed in compliance with, but not limited to, the Securities Act Chap 83:02, the Companies Act Chap 81:01, the TTSE Listing Rules, The Trinidad and Tobago Central Depository (TTCD) Rules and general industry standards with respect to corporate governance, financial reporting and disclosure of material information.

Are Approved Mentors subject to a renewal process by the TTSE?

Yes. An Appointed Mentor is required to submit a Fit and Proper Certificate or Letter of No Objection and a certified copy of a Certificate of Character to the TTSE within five (5) business days of the third anniversary of their appointment to maintain their approved status. The submission of the said required documentation will be subject to evaluation and thereafter a decision will be made on the renewal of the Approved Mentor who, shall then be notified accordingly of such decision.

Is the Appointed Mentor required to report his/her trades of the SME?

Yes. The Appointed Mentor must advise the SME if he/she or any person associated with him/her has executed any trades in the SME within five (5) business days of the transaction.

For further information, please visit the TTSE SME Market Mentorship Programme website: : 

TTSE SME Mentorship Form

Or contact TTSE via e-mail at smemarket@stockex.co.tt

• Zero percent Corporation Tax, Green Fund and Business Levy for the first five (5) years from listing on the TTSE, i.e. applicable for Year 1 through Year 5;

• Fifty percent reduction on Corporation Tax, Green Fund and Business Levy for the next five (5) years from listing on the TTSE, i.e. applicable for Year 6 through Year 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility for Tax Exemption

How do SMEs qualify for the new tax incentives?

For a company to qualify for tax incentives under the Corporation Tax Act and the Miscellaneous Taxes Act, it must meet the definition of a “SME Listed Company” , under the Finance Act (16 of 2021) Chapters 8 and 11 amending both the Corporation Act and the Miscellaneous Tax Act, it states that:

“SME listed company” means a Small and Medium Enterprise company listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, namely a company whose—

(minimum issued share capital is five million dollars and maximum issued share capital does not exceed fifty million dollars following the initial public offering;

(b) minimum and maximum capital base comprises of issued share capital only and does not include retained earnings and accounts transferred from such issued share capital or account;

(c) minimum of twenty five unconnected shareholders own a total of at least thirty per cent of the new issued share capital of the company; and

(d) capital is raised with the issuance of an initial public offering to be followed by a listing on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange no more than sixty days after allotment of the issue.”

If the SME is suspended from trading on the SME Market, does the SME still qualify for the remaining fiscal incentives if the tax holiday has not yet expired?

The SME must be listed in order to claim the tax incentive. For a company to qualify for tax incentives under the Corporation Tax Act and the Miscellaneous Taxes Act, it must meet the definition of a “SME Listed Company” , under the Finance Act (16 of 2021) Chapters 8 and 11 amending both the Corporation Act and the Miscellaneous Tax Act, it states that:

“SME listed company” means a Small and Medium Enterprise company listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, namely a company whose—

(a)   minimum issued share capital is five million dollars and maximum issued share capital does not exceed fifty million dollars following the initial public offering;

(b) minimum and maximum capital base comprises of issued share capital only and does not include retained earnings and accounts transferred from such issued share capital or account;

(c) minimum of twenty five unconnected shareholders own a total of at least thirty per cent of the new issued share capital of the company; and (d)  capital is raised with the issuance of an initial public offering to be followed by a listing on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange no more than sixty days after allotment of the issue.”

(d) capital is raised with the issuance of an initial public offering to be followed by a listing on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange no more than sixty days after allotment of the issue.”

What is the procedure to access the fiscal incentives after listing?

The “SME Listed Company” will file a Tax Return indicating its eligibility for the tax exemption along with a Confirmation Letter from the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange. The Confirmation Letter will indicate that the “SME Listed Company” has met all the requirements for listing on the Stock Exchange.

The SME Market was introduced in 2012, aligned with the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s (TTSE) vision to further develop the local capital market and promote economic diversification.  With the creation of this tier, small and medium-sized companies are afforded the opportunity to raise capital on the domestic stock market and the SME Market serves to provide an alternative financing source for capital expansion.

The TTSE SME Market targets all SME owners and entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria to list on the Exchange. 

Benefits

1. Tax Incentives: 10-year Tax Incentive can be used to strengthen the Balance Sheet
2. A full tax holiday for the first five years from listing on the TTSE (exemption from the payment of Corporation Tax, Business Levy and Green Fund Levy)
3. A fifty percent (50%) reduction in taxes for the second five-year period (Corporation Tax, Business Levy and Green Fund Levy)
4. Access to Equity Financing; no obligation to pay debt; no collateral requirements
5. Increased Brand Visibility, Enhanced Reputation, and Transparency of the Business
6. Price Discovery: Establishes a market value and eliminates the uncertainty for determining share value
7. ESOP Incentives: Shares can be offered as performance incentive to employees
8. Raising Capital:
9. Ability to raise funds through Additional Public Offering (APO)

For further information, please visit the TTSE SME Market website

 Or contact TTSE via email at smemarket@stockex.co.tt

This Grant is solely for local producers of alternatives to wheat flour. With the newly expanded Grant Fund Facility, SMEs can access financing for the acquisition of machinery and equipment to be used in the manufacture of alternatives to wheat flour. The facility provides individual Grants to cover 75%, up to a maximum of TT$340,000.00 (approximately US$50,000.00), of the cost of the acquisition. (The Grant does not cover working capital, or land, building and installation costs).

Cash refund offered to any national or international producer on expenditure incurred while filming in Trinidad and Tobago.

For nationals: 35% rebate on expenditure between TT$100,000 to TT$51,200,000.

For non-nationals: Tiered system of 12.5% to 35% on initial expenditure of US$100,000 to US$8,000,000. Additional 20% cash rebate on expenditure incurred on use of Qualifying Local Labour.

This grant is solely for micro and small enterprises involved in services related to: ship building, repair and maintenance; servicing of vessels, including yachts, such as fiberglass work, welding, woodwork, upholstery services, sail making, electronics and electrical work, painting and rigging; hospitality services; travel agency services; and yacht brokerage.

Micro businesses in the yachting industry will be eligible for a cash grant of TT$20,000.00 to cover 100% of the following business cost:

• New machinery, equipment and tools or upgrades thereof up to a maximum of TT$20,0000
• Raw materials up to a maximum of TT$20,000
• Utilities up to a maximum of TT$5,000
• Rent up to maximum of TT$15,000

The Grant will cover the following business costs for Small businesses in the yachting industry:

• New machinery, equipment and tools or upgrades thereof 75% of the cost of machinery, equipment or tools up to a maximum of TT$50,0000
• Raw materials 75% of the cost of raw materials up to a maximum of TT$30,000
• Utilities 100% of utilities cost up to a maximum of TT$5,000
• Rent 100% up to TT$10,000

This function involves planning and coordinating the execution of relevant training Programmes which build the capacity of exporters to increase export competitiveness, develop new exporters and increases access to new markets. ExporTT’s Training Unit focuses on building the capacity of Trinidad and Tobago Exporters to master the essentials of an effective export strategy.

Provides funding to companies for the implementation of international standards such as, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, ISO, etc. The grant allows companies to be reimbursed up to 50% of the total cost of the project value to a maximum of TT$35,000.00 per company per year.

Provides financial assistance to the Manufacturing Sector (including Agro-processing), for a range of applicable international standards to boost production of non-energy exports and contribute to import substitution. Funding is provided in the form of grants, up to a limit of TT$500,000.00 and will be limited to one grant per beneficiary and will partly cover the costs associated to meet recognized international standards.

Eligible local steelpan manufacturers can access individual Grants, up to a maximum of TT$250,000 per tranche, not exceeding TT$1,000,000.00 per entity, to fund the acquisition of new machinery, equipment, software, tools, raw materials and training.

Import Duty Concessions are granted to qualifying manufacturing and processing companies in Trinidad and Tobago. Import Duty Concessions allow such companies to receive exemptions on import/customs duties for items that they import as supplies for their manufacturing or processing needs.

Companies can be reimbursed up to 50% of the total eligible costs incurred in accessing new export markets or expanding within existing markets. A company shall receive financial support on pre-approved investments, purchases, costs or expenses. Co-financing funds export-oriented activities by domestic non-energy manufacturing and service companies in operation for a minimum of one (1) year. The grant is based on the size of the company:

• Small Companies- Generating less than or equal to TT$8 million in annual turnover 50% to a limit of TT$60,000.00. Funded portion will be paid directly to suppliers for small companies only.

• Medium Companies- Generating between TT$8 million and TT$15 million in annual turnover 50%to a limit of TT$55,000. Reimbursable.

Provides funding to stimulate and support investment in new and advanced technology and innovation as a competitiveness enhancement tool for enterprises in the non-energy manufacturing and services sectors.
It provides funding for the successful marketplace entry of innovative and technology driven business ideas in Financial, Maritime and Aviation Services, Software Design and Applications, Creative Industries, Fishing and Fish Processing, Agriculture and Agro-Processing.
Eligible companies can access funding in three (3) phases: Phase 1: Feasibility- 70% of the total cost of the project up to TT$100,000.00;
Phase 2: Product and service development- 50% of the total cost of the project, up to TT$750,000.00;
Phase 3: Product/Service Commercialization- up to TT$150,000.00

Provides financing to SMEs involved in Software Designs and Applications, Fish and Fish Processing, Aviation Services, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Maritime Services and Creative Industries, for the acquisition of new capital requirements/expenditure. Local businesses can access individual Grants, up to a maximum of TT$250,000 per beneficiary, to finance 50% of the cost of the acquisition.

Consultation – aimed at providing guidance and support for establishment of new ventures and support and growth of existing ventures.

Discussions and support of SMEs at varying levels toward identifying and taking advantage of potential opportunities that may arise.

Training – aimed at equipping MSMEs with the tools for sustainable development.

Hosting or facilitating training workshops and webinars in relevant topics

Expos and Trade Shows – aimed at providing access to retail opportunities

• National and Regional Expos e.g. TIC and Southex
• Hosting expos e.g. Finance Week Business Expo
• Support for and promotion of local expos/pop-up shops e.g. Tobago Island Market
• Facilitation and support of local participation in external shows in collaboration with key stakeholders e.g. U.S. Embassy (NRA Show), and local Embassies abroad e.g. Washington, London etc.

Marketing Support – aimed at enhancing brand awareness and market share

• Features on Facebook
• Engagement with potential retail outlets or other key stakeholders
• Engagement with media

Prior to funds being received from either the loan or grant Programmes, all clients must under-go training in basic bookkeeping, marketing, customer service and the statutory obligations.

The Rationale for the Enterprise Assistance Fund

The Business Development Unit is committed to the empowerment of individuals and communities in order to achieve National Development, by fostering financial independence and sustained improvement in living conditions.  This Enterprise Assistance Fund is but one of a range of services and resources geared towards the support of existing and potential entrepreneurs.

 Approach

A. The Business Development Unit views itself as a partner in each of the projects in which it becomes involved.  The well-being of its clients is its main focus.  In this regard, the focus of the Unit is two-fold:

i. The sustainability of the client’s venture; and

ii. Its impact on the community

This approach will ensure that the full social and economic benefits of the partnership can be realized.

TARGET MARKET

A. The preferred market for the Enterprise Assistance Fund is the creative, innovative entrepreneur in areas of service and manufacturing.  Primarily, the Fund identifies four (4) distinct categories as its core target groups:

i. The ‘regular’ entrepreneur shopping his ideas/proposals in search of funding;

ii. The disenfranchised individuals who, by virtue of their inability to access capital or support, have difficulty pursuing their entrepreneurial option;

iii. Using the concept of peer-group lending, loans will be made available to community or other groups with sound business ideas.  These groups should however, have been established for a period of at least one (1) year, and;

iv. Companies that have been in existence for at least (2) years.

 B. The BDU encourages proposals in the following areas of Enterprise:

i. Manufacturing

ii. Service Oriented Projects

• Graphic, Web Design and Marketing
• Catering
• Events Management
• Sanitation
• Vehicle Services
• Cleaning Companies
• Restaurants

III. Community Cluster Production

iv. Art and Craft

v. Fashion and Design

vi. Garment / Textiles Manufacturing (whole scale approach)

vii. Agro / Fish Processing E.g. Packaging, preserving (value added aspects of the fishing industry)

vii. Retail Services e.g.

• Dry goods – commercial / retail (security demanded must be at the highest allowable amount; and each case would be analyzed on its own merit)

• Food – fruits, vegetables, meats (mini marts)

ix. Tourism Sector Services e.g.

• Tours, reef boats, dive shops
• Game fishing, charters
• Taxi, maxi, vehicle rentals, limousines

x. Trade Related Activities

• To get products and services export-ready to meet international standards in order to penetrate foreign markets.

The Enterprise Assistance Grant Programme (E.A.G.P.) was established to assist in the jump-start of micro and meso enterprises on the island of Tobago. It was realised that under-capitalization and the lack of market research are critical factors contributing to business failure. As such, the E.A.G.P. can be utilized for the acquisition of capital assets which add value to the business venture and by extension promotes the project’s economic viability and sustainability. In addition to which, Grant recipients would also benefit from the Mandatory Business Training which aids in alleviating some of the issues relating to the lack of business research, customer service, as well as bookkeeping and budgeting.

Fund Objective

Since the Business Development Unit sees itself as a partner with all other stakeholders in the development of the economic landscape of Tobago, the E.A.G.P will focus on:

• Environmental sustainability
• Improve the value chain of businesses in the micro and meso sector
• Expand the base of economic activity – diversification
• Develop entrepreneurs through the injection of fund capital
• Allow for creative and innovative ideas to be converted to business success

Fund Limit

The Enterprise Assistance Grant Programme will provide funding for approved business projects up to a maximum of twenty-five thousand ($25,000.00).

Target Market

To ensure that the duplication of services is minimized and that access is afforded to the disenfranchised, the following would be targeted:

• Micro and Meso Entrepreneurs
• MUST, YTEPP,CCC Graduates, YAPPA, CEPEP employees
• University Graduates (UWI, UTT, COSTAAT, TTHTI)
• Village Councils, Churches and other NGOs
• Food Card recipients and other social services support groups

Sector Target

Although the list is not exhaustive, applications in the following areas will be encouraged:

• Small scale garment manufacturing and tailoring
• Preparation of baked goods
• Marketing and or Advertising services
• Small scale farming and agro processing
• Manufacturing
• Motor vehicle repairs – not for stocking spare parts for resale
• Landscaping & Horticulture
• Personal Health care

NEDCO also offers Entrepreneurial Development Promotions. There are Entrepreneurial Development Packages which include both training and advisory services and access to webinars at a discounted rate. The combination of both support services has proven to assist our clients who are in the idea phase through to the practical start of their businesses. Loan Packages and specials are offered periodically for the boosting of operational small businesses, remodeling, relocations, technology upgrades and equipment upgrades.

NEDCO's Loan Client After-care support aims to provide developmental support for branch clients after the loans have been disbursed. This support service seeks to build on the client's management and business development skills to aid in improving their chances for success. The aftercare support service is designed for clients who have expressed a desire for one-on-one assistance with business operations or management, are dealing with financial management issues, or are new (start-up) or young entrepreneurs with little or no experience in the business.

NEDCO's pre-assessment is centered on the entrepreneur's management capabilities, financial strength, support network, operations and marketing potential. A review of the existing conditions to determine the prospective client's stage of readiness for financing. Whatever stage the clients are at, NEDCO offers support to help develop their business knowledge and operations. Obtaining a loan from NEDCO also includes after-sale services whereby clients are monitored and assistance is offered for their development and growth. A review of the business' operations post loan disbursement has proven to be a great tool for building sustainable MSEs.

Needs assessments are conducted especially for businesses facing a new issue like adjusting to the Covid-19 pandemic. NEDCO can employ a needs assessment to identify gaps in the business operations or management systems. Our value-added support services will guide the entrepreneur through the identified problems in a cost-effective and extremely helpful manner.

To access a business needs assessment, interested persons can contact a Business Advisor or email training@nedco.gov.tt

The Focus Group session is a working advisory session. The understanding is that persons in similar industries may need the same type of support as practically as possible. Different industry or common interest groups of five (5) persons to twenty-five (25) persons can access specialized tailored learning and problem­ solving sessions. Focus Group sessions are interactive wherein key business-related topics, tips, tools, and techniques relevant to the specified industry are explored in a relaxed learning environment.

Business advisory is a consultancy service specifically geared towards helping MSEs solve problems and grow their business. Every new and growing entrepreneur will need guidance, motivation, emotional support and practical solutions for common entrepreneurial dilemmas along their entrepreneurial journey. Our Business Advisors give advice and practical support to new businesses start­ ups and established businesses in an array of areas including, but not limited to, Business Plans, Marketing, Financial Management, Competitive Strategies, Goal Setting, Business Registration and Records  Management.

Each session is one (1) hour long. Clients can expect:

• A. Individual attention with a knowledgeable advisor.
• B. Suitable recommendations or action points to direct your business further.
• C. Recommendations for follow-up sessions.
• D. Referrals for NEDCO’s Training and Lending Services.

To book an appointment with a Business Advisor you can register via NEDCO’s website or email training@nedco.gov.tt. The price to book an advisory session is $100.00 and must be paid before your appointment is confirmed.

NEDCO offers a free Webinar series and Public Education sessions for potential, new and growing micro and small businesses. Each month we host an information-packed webinar on key and current business topics. Our webinars are interactive hour-long virtual training sessions. Coupled with our webinars, NEDCO's Public Education Sessions are geared to introduce youths, communities and groups to the entrepreneurial landscape and small business ownership as a viable option for sustainable income. The main focus of these presentations is the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.

NEDCO,  in  collaboration  with  the ILO, offers  one  of  the  largest  global  business management   training   Programmes.   The strategic  focus  of  this  programme   is  to assist   small-scale   entrepreneurs   to  start and    grow    their    businesses    and    by extension   create  improved   employment. SIYB   is   an   adaptable   and   simplistic programme  that  can  be  efficiently  rolled out  to  a  large  number  of  entrepreneurs. This  training  mechanism  also  allows  an Entrepreneurial   Trainee  to  be  supported through   the   growth   phases.   Being   all­ encompassing  an  entrepreneurial  trainee can  obtain  training  and  support  from  the generation  of  the  business  idea,  start-ups including   initial   and   periodic   business planning  of the idea, building of the start­ up   after  the   1st  year  of  operation  and expansion of the business  and scale-up of operations.

NEDCO offers integrated learning capabilities for the practical teaching of core business principles and best practices. NEDCO's custom-made, skills training programmes are designed and delivered to address the key issues identified by the needs analysis criteria. Training intervention takes the form of one (I ) day workshops comprising three (3) to six (6) contact hours for each training course. The training programmes are administered by well-trained facilitators who will educate and empower the entrepreneurs. At the end of each course, the participants can demonstrate the identified objectives and practical action points.

NEDCO offers integrated learning capabilities for the practical teaching of core business principles and best practices. NEDCO's custom-made, skills training Programmes are designed and delivered to address the key issues identified by the needs analysis criteria. Training intervention takes the form of one (1) day workshops comprising three (3) to six (6) contact hours for each training course. The training Programmes are administered by well-trained facilitators who will educate and empower the entrepreneurs. At the end of each course, the participants are able to demonstrate the identified objectives and practical action points. Current workshops offered are:

1. Business Taxation/Know your Taxes
2. Business Etiquette and Protocol
3. Costing and Pricing
4. Developing a Business Plan
5. Excellence in Customer Service
6. Information Technology
7. Innovation and Creativity in Entrepreneurship
8. Managing Staff
9. Record Keeping and Cash Management
10. Steps to Starting your Business
11. Tendering for Contracts
12. Negotiating Tips and Techniques
13. Facilities Management
14. Marketing for SMEs
15. Social Media Strategy
16. Competitive Strategy
17. Customer Relationship Management
18. Corporate Governance
19. Digital Transformation for MSEs

To access a training workshop, clients can register via NEDCO’s website or send an email to training@nedco.gov.tt.

The Business Accelerator Programme is a 5-year initiative extending from the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). All tools in the Business Accelerator Programme are geared toward the practical development of a start-up, micro or small business. This programme integrates loan funding, training, advisory, mentorship, networking and other support services into comprehensive and customized business development packages for selected entrepreneurs. The Business Accelerator is structured to span a period of twelve (12) months with the possibility of six (6) additional months for an aggregate time of eighteen (18) months. This programme is conducted in partnership with other institutions. Applicants must be 18 years or older; a citizen or resident of Trinidad and Tobago and a past or current member of any of the Partner Institutions aligned to NEDCO. Participation in NEDCO’s BAP is free of charge to the participant. Interested persons with a business and/or a business idea, can apply for the NEDCO’s BAP through a partner institution. As a participant of NEDCO’s BAP you will have access to:

• Business Development Training
• Business Advisory and Mentorship
• Industry specific training
• Focus Group Analysis of products and services
• Networking
• Access to Loan Funding for seed and growth capital
• Access to product development and technical facilities
• Access to commercialization of innovative products

All applications must undergo an evaluation interview by NEDCO. Successful applicants will be contacted via a NEDCO representative. Once accepted, full participation is required by attending meetings, training, advisory and networking sessions. Participants are expected to apply the training, advice and other support tools to their businesses.

Micro and Small Enterprises that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to apply for the Entrepreneurial Relief Grant from the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with NEDCO. MSEs that earn less than TT $1,000,000 in annual revenues, and have been negatively impacted by the global pandemic. MSEs can access up to TT $20,000 in grant funding to help cover business-related expenses such as salaries, rent, stock and other working capital items. This grant is applicable to all existing businesses. Applicants must be a citizen or legal resident of Trinidad and Tobago who attained the age of 18 years and over. Business owners can only apply for one business even if they own more than one.

NEDCO’s Small Business Financing service is geared towards supporting micro, small and medium size enterprises in achieving their business’ goals. Our loan process assists clients to be financially capable and competitive, whilst ensuring their business operations are compliant with the requirements specific to their sector. We provide financial services for a wide range of businesses with the exception of primary agriculture, gambling and the purchase of alcohol. Over the last twenty (20) years we have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs to establish, build and expand their businesses and we look forward to helping you do the same. First-time borrowers can access up to TT$250,000 while repeat borrowers can access funding up to TT$500,000. NEDCO's interest rate is fixed at 8 % (simple interest). The maximum repayment periods are 5 years for general loans; 3 years for tock loans and 6 years for Maxi Taxi Loans. Loans can ONLY be granted to registered businesses to purchase stock, equipment, motor vehicles or conduct repairs/renovation towards a business venture. NEDCO will not consolidate debt from other financial institutions, statutory bodies or individuals. Collateral is required and may be accepted in the form of business equipment, vehicles, or cash collateral. Businesses can receive up to three (3) months grace period. Loan funds will be directed to the account of the supplier(s) of the goods / services based on the quotations and invoices you supply. However, exceptions are made for regional / international purchases. Your Business Relationship Officer will discuss options for the moratorium disbursement of funds.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is providing support to businesses, with annual revenues of TT$ 500,000 to TT$25 million, which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This loan is available to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The aim of this initiative is to reinforce the MSME sector’s position as an integral part of the economy.

The guarantee provided by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago represents 100% of the loan amount. No MSMEs will be required to provide security.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is providing support to businesses, with annual revenues of TT$ 500,000 to TT$25 million, which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This loan is available to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The aim of this initiative is to reinforce the MSME sector’s position as an integral part of the economy.

The guarantee provided by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago represents 100% of the loan amount. No MSMEs will be required to provide security.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is providing support to businesses, with annual revenues of TT$ 500,000 to TT$25 million, which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This loan is available to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The aim of this initiative is to reinforce the MSME sector’s position as an integral part of the economy.

The guarantee provided by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago represents 100% of the loan amount. No MSMEs will be required to provide security.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is providing support to businesses, with annual revenues of TT$ 500,000 to TT$25 million, which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This loan is available to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The aim of this initiative is to reinforce the MSME sector’s position as an integral part of the economy.

The guarantee provided by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago represents 100% of the loan amount. No MSMEs will be required to provide security.