Recently, FLCCL had the privilege of participating in the Cohort Two Graduation Ceremony of 2024 for young entrepreneurs completing Jumpstart, a business accelerator program from Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT). The energy in the room was palpable, radiating from a group of passionate, driven, young people eager to share their experiences, ideas, and visions for the future.

As these aspiring business leaders presented their plans, it was clear they were hungry – not just for success, but for guidance, mentorship, and the tools to thrive. Their attentive engagement with featured speakers and sponsors reflected their determination to grow into the next generation of innovators and community builders.

This brings an important question to the forefront:
What responsibility do we, as members of the business community, have toward them? How can we contribute to their journey and enable their success?

As business leaders, we are uniquely positioned to drive both personal and economic development. By solving real-world challenges through innovation, we introduce products, services, and technologies that enhance lives and uplift communities. However, our mission should extend beyond building businesses – we must also inspire and equip the next generation with entrepreneurial mindsets and 21st-century skills that enable them to create meaningful change and lasting contributions.

This duty takes many forms, and it is up to each of us – individuals, corporations, and institutions – to answer this call. Programs like Jumpstart offer a blueprint for the kind of support that can transform potential into success. Through a combination of knowledge-sharing, networking, and mentorship, these initiatives empower entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to overcome challenges and build sustainable businesses.

Our experience at the ceremony was a powerful reminder of how vital our continued involvement is. It energized within us – a call for action, one we hope our peers in the business community share as well. 

We can support these young entrepreneurs in two key ways:

1. Financial Support: Contributing to programs like YBTT’s Jumpstart ensures that more young people have access to life-changing resources and opportunities.
2. Mentorship: Sharing our experience and insights as seasoned professionals is invaluable. By guiding these young minds, we help them navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and accelerate their growth.

Ultimately, the method of involvement is secondary to the act itself. What matters most is that we step forward. Entrepreneurship is not just about creating successful businesses – it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities. It drives economic growth, creates jobs, and offers meaningful alternatives to unemployment and crime.

By fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance, we are not only shaping the future of business but strengthening the foundation of society. The ripple effects of thriving local enterprises touch every aspect of community life, improving living standards, inspiring pride, and fostering a sense of collective purpose.

This is our responsibility: to nurture and sustain the entrepreneurial spirit for generations to come. Our communities, our economy, and our collective future depend on it.

Let’s pay forward the opportunities we’ve been fortunate to receive. Together, we can help build a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for all.

FLCCL extends heartfelt congratulations to the Graduates of the YBTT Jumpstart Programme. Your dedication and commitment to personal and professional growth is truly commendable. We eagerly anticipate the incredible achievements you will bring to the future and look forward to witnessing the amazing impact you’ll make in your communities and beyond.

If you’re ready to transform potential into success, we invite you to take action.
Click the link below to learn how you can help turn youthful ambition into tangible achievement.
Youth Business Trinidad & Tobago | Building a sustainable future through entrepreneurship