23 Apr Impacting the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through SHELL LiveWIRE
With economic uncertainty augmented by pockets of unemployment and/or under-employment, Shell Trinidad and Tobago dared to change the narrative through the Shell LiveWIRE programme. Branded as Shell’s global social investment Enterprise Development programme, Shell LiveWIRE has the vision to strengthen local economies, by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and meaningful employment. Since its inception in Scotland in 1982, it now runs in over 15 countries and supports thousands of entrepreneurs to transition their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses which redound into wider employment and income opportunities.
Originally launched in 1982 in Scotland, the programme has since benefitted over 9.2 million young entrepreneurs in the last 35 years. Currently operating in 15 countries including Oman, Brazil, Nigeria, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the programme provides young and budding entrepreneurs with access to essential business knowledge and customized support needed to transform their enterprising ideas into viable business opportunities.
Since its introduction in Trinidad and Tobago in January 2018, Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago has been the implementing partner for the Shell LiveWIRE programme. From January 2018 to December 2020, 27 young entrepreneurs have successfully graduated from two (2) cohorts! Operating in five (5) key sectors – Energy Solutions; Environmental Solutions; Agriculture and Food Processing; Eco-Tourism and Innovation B2B Solutions, these young entrepreneurs grew and accelerated their businesses through engaging Workshops, Master Classes, Coaching and individual consultancy streams in Export Readiness, Financial Audit and Advisory and Branding and Packaging Solutions.
The programme culminates in a Demo and Pitch event which provides participants with a unique opportunity to showcase their businesses to business experts, mentors and advisors.
Topping the list of beneficiaries who shared their awe-inspiring experience of the Shell LiveWIRE programme on their entrepreneurial journey was the winner of the 2020 Demo and Pitch event was Keshia Roberts-Kerr, Founder, Blue Town Market, Tobago. According to Roberts-Kerr “Business knowledge is key to growth and development of any business. Shell LiveWIRE programme gave me the knowledge I needed to accelerate my business through great workshops, coaching and mentorship.”
Also sharing their learnings were husband and wife team Anthony and June Henry trading as AJ’s Premium Homemade Ice Cream ..” we were both seeking ways to grow our business from a financial standpoint and the LiveWIRE programme as the ideal response to our needs.”
