TT Chamber launches Catalyst SME conference

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched the second Catalyst SME Conference at its headquarters in Westmoorings on Wednesday.

Entrepreneurs, policymakers, financiers and private sector representatives attended the event to discuss measures for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

The conference is held under the theme “Turning Potential into Performance”.

The TT Chamber said the event provides a forum to address access to finance, use of data in decision making and links between businesses and markets.

Chief Executive Officer of the TT Chamber, Vashti Guyadeen, spoke at the opening ceremony.

Guyadeen said SMEs represent just under 70 percent of the organisation’s membership.

She added that SMEs form part of the productive sector in Trinidad and Tobago and said Catalyst was created as a forum for entrepreneurs to receive information, build networks and access tools for business growth.

Guyadeen said the conference focuses on agriculture, creative industries and service sectors.

The programme over two days includes discussions on access to capital, use of data and links with distributors and firms.

Guyadeen said sessions will also examine opportunities in agri-business and the Orange Economy.

The conference continues on Thursday with sessions involving entrepreneurs, financial institutions and business representatives.

Participants are scheduled to examine financing options, market access and partnerships for SMEs in Trinidad and Tobago.