PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) received a powerful infusion of inspiration and practical strategies at the groundbreaking Catalyst 2025 conference, hosted by the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce on February 11-12. The event, held at the Leon Agostini Conference Hall, brought together established business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs for a transformative dialogue on navigating today’s challenging economic landscape.
The conference moved beyond theoretical concepts to deliver actionable insights through lived experiences, with prominent business figures including SM Jaleel director Eesa Mohammed, Cher-Mère CEO Cheryl Bowles, Solis chairman Angella Persad, and Aegis Business Solutions Limited chairman Angela Lee Loy sharing their journeys from humble beginnings to commercial success.
Central to the discussions was the theme of calculated risk-taking, with multiple case studies demonstrating how businesses successfully pivoted to e-commerce, expanded into regional exports, and leveraged technology despite resource constraints. Participants emphasized that strategic boldness – rather than reckless gambling – separates thriving enterprises from stagnant operations.
Innovation emerged as a practical tool rather than abstract buzzword, with concrete examples including agri-tech solutions to reduce food import dependency, cultural heritage commercialization through the orange economy, and digital platforms connecting local businesses with international markets. The conference featured a pitch competition where newcomers presented innovative business concepts to industry authorities.
The resilience narrative resonated deeply among attendees, with business leaders openly discussing setbacks and recovery strategies in Trinidad and Tobago’s challenging operating environment. High operational costs, financing limitations, and market volatility were addressed through practical workshops on cash flow management, revenue diversification, and organizational development.
The event’s most significant impact may have been its creation of a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs discovered shared challenges and solutions. Numerous participants reported leaving with renewed motivation and concrete implementation plans, having connected with mentors and peers who provided both technical knowledge and moral support.
The TT Chamber has already announced plans for Catalyst 2026, encouraging SMEs to apply the conference’s key principles: taking calculated risks, implementing innovation incrementally, building financial resilience, leveraging professional networks, and acting promptly on new inspiration.