27 Sep About Last Week…Award for Outstanding Youth Organisation of 2024
What an incredible journey it has been! Last week, Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT) was honored with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) Award for Outstanding Youth Organisation of 2024, and I just have to say… wow, what a moment!
First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service for recognizing our work. This award is a testament to the power of youth entrepreneurship and the unwavering belief that our young people can truly transform our society when given the right support and opportunities.
But let’s rewind a bit. YBTT’s journey started over 20 years ago with a dream to empower young entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago. From the very first business we supported, to every workshop, mentorship session, and pitch competition since, our mission has always been to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where youth entrepreneurship can flourish. In 2023, we supported 135 young entrepreneurs through comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial assistance. The impact was nothing short of remarkable—our January 2024 survey revealed that these entrepreneurs created 119 additional jobs, generating over $5 million in revenue! What’s even more inspiring is that 75% of these businesses are making a positive impact by focusing on social and green initiatives. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has made this moment all the more rewarding.
This award is not just for us. It belongs to every single person who has believed in YBTT’s mission and contributed to the impact we’ve been able to make. To our mentors who have generously given their time and expertise, guiding and supporting our entrepreneurs through thick and thin, thank you. To our incredible entrepreneurs who have dared to dream big, take risks, and hustle hard—you are the heartbeat of YBTT. To our donors, whose generosity has fueled our programs and initiatives, we are immensely grateful for your unwavering support. And to our team, both past and present, your passion and dedication are the backbone of this organization. You have made YBTT what it is today. Finally, to our Directors, your vision and guidance have steered us to this milestone. Thank you all!
A special shoutout must also go to the other two amazing organizations that were shortlisted alongside us. MINDS OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (MOTT), your work in addressing career development gaps through mentorship and networking opportunities is truly inspiring. DRAMA MAKING A DIFFERENCE (DMAD) COMPANY, your dedication to fostering positive change through creative expression, community initiatives, and social impact is making a real difference in the lives of so many young people. It’s an honor to stand alongside you both, as we work towards a brighter future for all our young people.
As we celebrate this milestone, our vision for the future is clearer than ever: building a sustainable future through entrepreneurship. We believe that entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses—it’s about creating businesses that make “a difference”. It’s about fostering a generation of leaders who prioritize people and planet, who are driven to innovate solutions to the pressing challenges of our time, and who understand that profit and purpose can and should go hand in hand.
YBTT is committed to expanding our programs and resources to support more young entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and impactful businesses. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for the kind of entrepreneurship that not only drives economic growth but also contributes to social and environmental well-being. Our goal is to see every young person in Trinidad and Tobago empowered with the skills, resources, and support they need to become changemakers in our global community.
This award is a celebration of everyone who believes in the power of youth entrepreneurship. It’s for the dreamers, the do-ers, the risk-takers, and the changemakers. We are so proud to be part of this vibrant community and to have the opportunity to continue supporting young entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago.
Here’s to many more years of empowering youth, fostering innovation, and creating a lasting impact together. The journey continues, and we’re just getting started!
It’s been real, it’s been nice, it’s been rel nice. 🥳
With gratitude and excitement for what’s next,
Shedron Collins
CEO, Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago