NCB Merchant Bank (TT) Ltd has called on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to bolster their governance and financial management practices to enhance access to financing and foster sustainable growth. This message was delivered at the SME Power Breakfast event in St Augustine, organized in partnership with the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry & Commerce (GTCIC). The event convened business leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore how transparency and structured management can build SME resilience and attract investment through various financial instruments, including loans, equity, and receivables financing. Christopher Buchanan, Senior Vice President of Investment Banking at NCB Capital Markets Ltd, emphasized that while many entrepreneurs are driven to scale their businesses, sustainable growth requires more than ambition. He stated, ‘Governance is what transforms a good idea into a credible business. Investors and lenders look for discipline – accurate reporting, sound management, and accountability. When these elements are in place, capital becomes more accessible.’ The event was particularly timely, following the release of the 2025 National Budget, which introduced new compliance measures and fiscal adjustments requiring businesses to strengthen their financial practices. Ramon Gregorio, President of the Tunapuna Chamber, praised NCB Merchant Bank’s collaborative efforts, highlighting the importance of dialogue between the private sector and financial institutions. He noted, ‘No business should operate in isolation. Your success depends on the ecosystem around you – banks that understand your risk profile, regulators that enable innovation, and businesses that open doors to opportunity.’ SMEs, which constitute 95% of registered businesses and contribute nearly 30% of Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP, often face significant financing challenges. Buchanan underscored NCB Merchant Bank’s commitment to closing this gap by advocating for stronger governance, which he believes will make SMEs more investible and resilient.