10 Sep “STUDENTS TO CONNECT WITH ENTREPRENEURS” (GEW 2015)
Global Entrepreneurship Week usually brings with it high levels of creativity and innovation all aimed at bringing out the best in the global entrepreneurial community, and therein lies the importance of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), has identified five (5) pivotal areas necessary for creating a supportive ecosystem simply branded Connect, Celebrate, Understand, Support and Compete.
According to the GEN framework, entrepreneurs need to continuously connect with investors, policymakers, researchers and community leaders; the success stories generated by entrepreneurs must be celebrated with a view to inspiring future entrepreneurs; entrepreneurs need to understand the importance of each cycle of the entrepreneurial spectrum; support for entrepreneurs is critical and includes programs and resources that can assist in their success, and entrepreneurs need to compete in various forums to foster their creative and innovative capacity.
Based on this framework, YBTT started the implementation of same since GEW 2014 in terms of reinforcing the importance of a sound ecosystem. For GEW 2015 scheduled for November 16th – 22nd, 2015, the trend will continue, and in so doing, specific events will be facilitated. The first of these is an “Entrepreneurial Outreach” designed to inculcate a sense of entrepreneurial conscience in the minds of stakeholders. Key stakeholders who contribute to entrepreneurial development in Trinidad and Tobago, would be part of this experience, which would also allow for entrepreneurs to obtain an indepth understanding of the myriad of resources and programmes available to support them in becoming successful.
Another GEW initiative which would be implemented by YBTT is a National Entrepreneurial Survey the sole purpose of which is to gather data to understand the gaps and challenges, as well as the existence of untapped opportunities which entrepreneurs can take advantage of. Support will be required from stakeholders in providing information necessary to fill the gaps and treat with the challenges identified in this survey, which is deemed to be an ideal start in strengthening this country’s eco-system.
The creative industry is an important sector on the entrepreneurial landscape, and will be the thrust upon which the national symposium, another GEW event, will be facilitated. Secondary school students will be part of this creative experience which will showcase the innovative potential of the steelpan, fashion and animation, all of which are significant to the effective functioning of this sector. This initiative would enable these students to connect with entrepreneurs within the creative industry. For this year’s GEW celebrations, YBTT is challenging both existing and potential partners to plan activities surrounding these five (5) pivotal areas. To become a partner, send us an email at srattan@ybtt.org.
By: Sandrine Rattan
Project Co-ordinator – Stakeholder & Media Relations (YBTT)
Published in the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday on Thursday, September 10th, 2015