The Port of Spain City Corporation is giving small and micro-entrepreneurs a major platform, relocating its open market from Woodford Square to a new, high-traffic spot and drawing both locals and visiting cruise passengers.
Over the next four days, the Brian Lara Promenade will display ten booths with artisans, plant vendors, and local beverage makers, showcasing products they’ve spent years refining.
The initiative is part of the Corporation’s Local Economic Development Programme, which supports small businesses through training, certification, and financial management guidance.
Local Economic Development Officer with the Port of Spain City Corporation, David Jones, told TTT News that many of the entrepreneurs taking part have completed courses with Export Centres Company Limited and now use this space to test and grow their brands.
“We’ve seen a lot of people train themselves, they get certified by Export Centre Limited, and they come out here. This is an opportunity to showcase their talents and what they do, and we have such a wide array of talent of people in the Port of Spain district.”
Mr. Jones said while many of the vendors are returning participants, new applicants continue to join through an online registration system.
“There’ll be, definitely have opportunities to sample the products on display here from all of our entrepreneurs. But it’s not only about this, we collaborate with the police to make sure that they’re safe and we have a good relationship with the cruise lines and the agents who bring the tourists here.”