28 Feb Sparking Young Minds: Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit
On a mission to spark the entrepreneurial flame in young minds
YBTT is on a mission to spark the entrepreneurial flame in young minds, not just within our core 18-35 target group, but even earlier, amongst secondary school students. We believe every dream deserves a chance to take flight, and our outreach programs are designed to do just that.
Our outreach activities combine practical presentations on entrepreneurial techniques with inspiring stories from successful YBTT alumni. This potent blend aims to not only inform, but also to shift mindsets, showcasing the possibilities and positive impact of starting your own business. In 2023, we reached a total of 1,889 individuals through these sessions, including 1,177 secondary school students and 712 members of the broader community.
A special thank you for the On-The-Job (OJT) Training Team, for having us at 6 of their Trainee Exit Seminars, where we engaged with over 300 young minds, transitioning to the world of work.
Special Mention: Our partnership with Atlantic LNG
A shining example of our impact within secondary schools is the Atlantic Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (AYEP), a collaborative project with Atlantic LNG. This program targets five secondary schools in the Point Fortin area, and in 2023, its highlights were truly remarkable:
SchoolSPARK Sessions: 325 students were captivated by motivational talks from successful entrepreneurs, igniting their passion for entrepreneurial pursuits. As Makayla Joseph from Holy Name Convent Point Fortin shared, “It challenged me and showed me the power of collaboration.”
Intensive Training: 71 students embarked on a comprehensive journey, exploring critical aspects like idea generation, business model development, and personalized mentorship.
Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition: The culmination of the program saw 28 students pitching their unique business ideas for prizes totaling $30,000. Naeem Hosein from Vessigny Secondary School captured the spirit of the event, commenting, “The passion and clarity of vision were truly inspiring.”
This program fosters confidence and helps students believe in their ideas. We're grateful for this platform. ~ Mr. Rishi Gangadeen, IT Teacher at Point Fortin West Secondary School
I enjoyed the sessions, it was a fun and learning one. I really think that this will help students and give them an introduction to entrepreneurship. It helped developed my confidence, my thinking and researching skills. The experience was amazing. ~ Kenya Jacob, Form 4.2 Student, Point Fortin West Secondary Sschool
I found out about the program when the company visited my school. My experience was a great one and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would definitely like to participate again if I am allowed to. Chasing my dreams was one thing that stood out to me and it made me think about alternative ways of thinking. I was given the opportunity to do my best. ~ Jayden Trotman, Form 3.4 Student, Point Fortin East Secondary School
This competition gave me the opportunity to learn a valuable skill that would carry me through life. It took me out of my comfort zone, which was challenging, but overall, the experience was great. ~ Evanna Broadbelt, Form 3EW, Cedros Secondary School