Newsday ( Trinidad and Tobago )
06 March 2023 ( Page 9 )
Big value in learning to do business better
RYAN HAMILTONDAVIS EVEN the smallest of businesses would benefit from learning to do business better, said University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus Principal Professor RoseMarie Belle Antoine at the launch of the Growing Together small business training programme at UWIRoytec in Port of Spain on Friday. "Even if you are not exporting, there is value to having adequate training and knowledge of how to manage a business?' Antoine told Newsday. "Roytec is not just about exporting its about trying to get you to improve as a small enterprise?' The Growing Together programme — a one month programme for small businesses that would cover modules such as enhancing businesses; small business finance; attracting customers and generating value and applying innovation for business growth. The programme will be delivered through the Microsoft Teams platform on three virtual sessions and one selfpaced session. Participants will be awarded a certificate from UWIRoytec. The programme is aiming to reach over 2,000 businesses over the next year. Pointing out that the SME sector accounts for 85 per cent of registered businesses in TT, Senator and Minister of Trade and Industry Paula GopeeScoon said gaps in training and knowledge of proper business practices must be addressed if TT is to fully harness the potential of the SME sector. "Our MSMEs, particularly those in the retail sector, must be able to leverage strengths such as tailored customer service so as to nurture customer loyalty and retention to be able to compete successfully?' GopeeScoon said. "For many businesses, managing cash flow and understanding the basic principles and practices associated with utilizing financial data is critical to making decisions for growth and expansion?' Franchise Operations Manager Caribbean Region Joseph Robinson said the training program will help strengthen SME businesses and personal development. He encouraged small businesses to continue in its development. "CocaCola bets on your drive, passion and talent to work together for the economic progress of all TT citizens?' he said. "A programme like Growing together with CocaCola is a great opportunity to achieve this ambition?' •••••1 ¦ Twilltsette' UWI St Augustine campus Principal Professor RoseMarie Belle Antoine