Republic Bank, in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), successfully hosted its third annual SME Workshop and Marketplace on October 28 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The event, themed ‘Expanding from Local to Global: Turning Sustainability into an Export Differentiator,’ aimed to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the manufacturing and agricultural sectors with actionable strategies to enhance their operations, embrace sustainability, and prepare for global export opportunities.
Richard Sammy, Vice President of Republic Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond financial services. ‘Our entrepreneurs challenge us to listen, understand their realities, and provide more than just credit facilities. We are dedicated to offering resources, training, and tools that empower SMEs to thrive. At Republic Bank, we see it as our responsibility to be true partners in their growth,’ he stated.
The workshop featured interactive presentations and success stories from industry leaders, including Rachel Renie-Gonzales, founder and CEO of d’Market Movers; Tisha Marajh, Group Sustainability Officer at Republic Bank; Fedell Solomon, co-founder of Nabdell Enterprise Ltd; and export specialists from Global TT and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA). Attendees were encouraged to integrate sustainability practices into their business models to gain a competitive edge in global markets.
Republic Bank’s initiative underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience within the region’s MSME sector. Through tailored financing, capacity-building programs, and strategic collaborations, the bank continues to champion entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the Caribbean.