On Wednesday 25th February, 2026, the Human Development Unit, through its sub Unit Realization of Economic Achievement (REACH) hosted its first Business Education Training for 2026 at the Division of Health and Wellness’ Conference Room, Glen Road, under the theme “Building Strong and Sustainable Enterprises”. This interactive training is the first in a year-long educational series, designed to help small businesses succeed and grow more resilient across Tobago.
At the closing ceremony, Assembly Member Ian Pollard, Secretary of Community Development and Social Protection, offered heartfelt advice to the participants by drawing on his own personal journey. Secretary Pollard identified discipline as the defining factor between business success and failure. He cautioned, “The most important thing about entrepreneurship is discipline…Most of us get into business and as we make the money, something comes up in the home and we have to use the finances into the homes…Have the discipline to save, and put away [some] to grow your business.”
Reflecting on his life further- launching a garden business at age nine to navigating various adult ventures and overcoming several failures – Secretary Pollard urged the participants to treat setbacks as learning opportunities. He encouraged them, “Do not be afraid of making mistakes…The only time you fail in business is if you give up…growth will only come from experience.”
The Secretary added that once more funding becomes available, grant allocations will be expanded to offer stronger start-up capital for businesses. He shared “At some point in time, once we have the finances, these grants will be increased.”
Further, Secretary Pollard encouraged participants to “dream big; think outside the box” and be selective about their inner circle. He also commended the Human Development Unit for its intervention in Tobago’s vulnerable communities, urging participants to use their new skills to “be the statistic” of businesses that survive failure.
Ms. Veryl Yeates, Senior Programme Coordinator of the Human Development Unit, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the sessions and reaffirmed the mission of the REACH Unit. She noted, “We are not just about giving a grant; we are also about building capacity and making sure opportunities meet the small man.” Ms. Yeates further explained that the training was specifically tailored to the participants’ needs, following business assessments.
Participants expressed their deep appreciation for the training sessions and some described it as “fun and engaging.” Former grant recipient Ms. Ayanna Davis encouraged fellow participants to use the knowledge gathered to “change our financial story” while Mr. Garvin Campbell encouraged his colleagues to use the “invaluable” lessons learnt to “mould your business into a better, more people centred, friendly business… to develop this country into a better place.” Representatives from CEPEP, URP, and the Roxborough Trade Centre commended the Division for providing the pathway to creating more sustainable businesses.
The diverse group of micro-entrepreneurs included past REACH Grant recipients, employees from the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) and Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP), as well as clients from the Social Support Unit, Programme for Adolescent Mothers (PAM) and the Roxborough Trade Centre.
To deliver this comprehensive training, the REACH Unit collaborated with the Business Development Unit and Financial Literacy Secretariat of the Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy, the National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO), and the Division’s Therapeutic Counselling Unit.
Participants received practical knowledge on bookkeeping, financial management, marketing, stress management and self-care and the importance of creating a business plan. All 24 micro-entrepreneurs received certificates of participation upon completion of the training.
The Division of Community Development and Social Protection remains committed to empowering micro-entrepreneurs with essential skills, which will help build a more resilient, self-sufficient, and thriving business community throughout Tobago
