The National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO), an agency of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS), held its 3rd Annual National Entrepreneurship Awards themed; ‘Exploring Horizons’. The red carpet event which occurred on Saturday August 03, 2024 at the HYATT Regency, celebrated the achievements of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE).
The Gala featured eight Award categories, including two new ones; the Male Entrepreneur Award and the Arts and Culture Entrepreneur Award. The event also introduced a special recognition Award for Diaspora Creative Excellence, which was presented by the Honourable Foster Cummings – Minister of Youth Development and National Service, to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Actress, Dominique Thorne.
Minister Cummings during his feature address, noted the significance of the formation of NEDCO in 2002, which was a “Tangible effort to ensure the levelling of the financial playing field, ensuring that every national of Trinidad and Tobago is provided with the equal opportunity to attain financial independence through Entrepreneurship.”
The Minister reminded the audience that NEDCO’s contribution aligns with the Vision 2030 National Development Strategy Theme 4; “Building Globally Competitive Businesses, and has reached over 25, 000 SMEs; protecting enterprises and opening doors to opportunities through which many citizens embark on their journey to entrepreneurial success.
Acknowledging the eight Award recipients, the Honourable Minister highlighted their commitment during the eighteen-month training in NEDCO’s Business Accelerator Programme and their participation in pop-up events and national seminars, that focused on strengthening the institutional capacities of entrepreneurs. Minister Cummings added that the Awards elevate Trinidad and Tobago’s MSEs to national, regional and global prominence and congratulated the recipients for their success.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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