BDC Media Center

Maritime Mentorship Programme 2012 Register Now

administrator — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:08:56 +0000

Click for Details

E-Certificate of Origin Workshop using TTBizlink

administrator — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:53:36 +0000

This workshop is designed for Exporters, Manufacturers, Registered Customs Brokers & Agents as well as anyone whose role involves completing or submitting Certificate of Origin applications to the Business Development Company Limited.

Cost $400+Vat. Email: training@bdc.co.tt or call 223-1175-7

Download registration form here

BDC Rewards Innovation in Secondary Schools

administrator — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:10:21 +0000

In September 2011, the Business Development Company Limited (BDC) launched a competition set to create a culture of innovation among local young students. The Spirit of Innovation Competition, one element of the BDC’s programme of Innovation activities, received entries from nineteen schools, each identifying an innovative product, process or service which can be implemented in the respective school. The competition, open to students of Forms 3 and 4 from schools across Trinidad and Tobago, sought to stimulate innovative thinking among students at the Secondary School level, develop leadership and team work skills, as well as recognize and reward young innovators.

At the competition’s Award Ceremony held on Saturday 4^th February 2012 at the Cara Suites Hotel & Conference Centre, the top three winners were recognized and rewarded for their innovative project proposals. First (1^st) place winner – Mayaro Secondary School received a trophy, $7,000 and a Gift of Units (from the Unit Trust Corporation) valued at $500.00, for each student of their team. Signal Hill Secondary School copped the second (2^nd) place title and received a trophy, $5,000 and a Gift of Units valued at $300.00 for each student of their team. Third (3^rd) place winner – Holy Name Convent Secondary School P.O.S. received a trophy, $4,000 and a Gift of Units valued at $200.00 for each student of their team. Winning school teams will also benefit from participation in an innovation-themed webinar, facilitated by the BDC, while the prize money awarded to schools will be used specifically for the implementation of their respective innovation project.

Explaining the vision and purpose of the competition, BDC’s Vice President – Business Development, Ms. Annelle Joachim said “BDC started this competition with the objective of helping drive innovative thinking in secondary school students and judging from the caliber of proposals submitted, we have achieved just that. Every single child that understands the concept of innovation and moves to implement it at their school, is a victory for us. We hope to have an even greater impact over the next two years as this year’s competition marks the first of a three-year partnership with the Ministry of Education,” Ms. Joachim said.

The audience inclusive of The Honourable Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education were also treated to a special presentation titled “Innovation is everywhere” delivered by Mr. Ian Ivey of Next Corporation and an engaging performance by entertainer Shakir London.

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The Spirit of Innovation Competition Project Proposal

administrator — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:58:10 +0000

“Linking Education to Innovation” In keeping with the government’s policy, the Business Development Company Limited (BDC) is determined to develop and sustain “A more diversified, knowledge intensive economy – building on the native genius of our people.” Consequently, BDC has embarked on a programme of activities set to create a culture of innovation among the young students [...]

BDC Launches US $1.3 million Programme to Promote Trade [PHOTOS]

administrator — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:40:02 +0000

On Tuesday 20^th September 2011, the Business Development Company Limited (BDC) and representatives of AZ Information Jamaica Ltd signed a landmark contract for a project valued at US $1.3 million, which seeks to promote local exports to the French Caribbean Outerlying Regions (FCORs). Below are some photos of the signing.

BDC Launches US $1.3 million Programme to Promote Trade

administrator — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:29:32 +0000

Under the project, twenty (20) local companies are being targeted for participation and AZ Information Jamaica Ltd has been contracted to provide consultancy services by:

conducting research on all issues and requirements relating to penetrating the markets of the FCORs
coordinating and managing the conduct of exploratory/fact finding missions to the FCORs, to obtain a detailed knowledge of market and business requirements
coordinating, managing and leading the conduct of a market penetration mission to the FCORs aimed at securing market penetration contracts
accompanying, advising and coaching participating companies towards achieving the planned objectives of the mission
supporting participating companies with the development of action plans to address constraints to meeting identified market requirements and expanding exports
establishing arrangements for future BDC-sponsored business missions to the FCORs
building the capacity of BDC’s staff to support the private sector through structured training, coaching and mentoring during the execution of the project

At the signing ceremony held at BDC’s Head Office, representatives of AZ Information Jamaica Ltd discussed areas under the project, the planned results of the project and activities to be implemented to achieve the planned results. Thereafter, members of the Steering Committee comprising representatives of the BDC, CDB, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, were introduced.

The project is expected to occur over a period of eighteen (18) months and its progress will be guided by the Steering Committee. Following the project’s execution, BDC intends to disseminate information to more companies via a mentorship programme and case studies.

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About CARTFund - The CARTFund is a ￡10 million Trust Fund, administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The Fund was established to generate momentum on the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME). The Fund’s resources are to be used to finance projects or activities aimed at supporting EPA implementation; deepening CARICOM integration and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) sub-regional integration; assisting beneficiaries with project preparation in these areas and sharing lessons from the related projects and activities.

MIDC hosts another successful Maritime Mentorship Programme

administrator — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:56:58 +0000

The Maritime Industry Development Committee (MIDC) successfully hosted its fourth Maritime Mentorship Programme during the period July 25 to August 25, 2011. This year’s programme hosted 43 young persons or mentees, between the ages of 15-17, and introduced them to the maritime industry. Since its inception in 2008; 148 mentees have participated in the programme.

The programme aims to build awareness and interest, among young persons, in maritime careers and training and certification requirements to embark on those careers. During the period, mentees are provided with the opportunity to visit various organizations which operate in the maritime industry.

Mentees in the Maritime Mentorship Programme 2011 included:

Keron Ali

Aaron Balgobin

Jerelle Braithwaite

Akil Briggs

Terelle Brown

Alonzo Burnley

Marianne Chang

Gabrielle Chang

Shannae Charles

Jevon Charles

Jody Clairmont

Moriba De La Rosa

Kurnel De Silva

Stefahna-Muri Duff

Celine Felix

Brandon Griffith

Kirmeil Hackshaw

Nicolette Harrison

Kyesha Jones

John-Ross Joseph

Teneka Julius

DaeNia La Rode

Christian Lloyd

Atisha Natasha Mitchell

Khaleem Mohammed

Anuskha Mohan

Fatima Muhammed

Jonathan Pemberton

Brandon Persad

Renesha Peters

Kyle Pierre

Rajeev Ramnarine

Brandon Ramnath

Jameelia Rojas

Tiffany SiewRazack

Rosalin Sooknanan

Ti-Jean Subero

Justin Timothy

Akin Toussaint

Christopher Trotman

Jason Trotman-Williams

Malaika Walcott

Kendell Webb

We thank the following Mentor Organizations for sharing their time, information and personnel in support of the Maritime Mentorship Programme 2011:

Gordon Grant and Company Ltd

La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd

Maritime Preservation Ltd

Maritime Services Division

National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd

National Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (Water Taxi Service)

Peake Yacht Services Ltd

Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago

Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd

Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago

Power Boats Mutual Facility Ltd

Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard

Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transport Company Ltd

Trinidad and Tobago Pilots’ Association

University of Trinidad and Tobago – Chaguaramas Campus

BDC and UTC Partner for Growth

administrator — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:43:34 +0000

The Business Development Company Limited (BDC) is pleased to announce its support of the Unit Trust Corporation’s inaugural Investment Conference, by way of sponsorship in the amount of $20,000. The Conference themed “Resetting Your Investment Strategy For Growth” was held on September 8th & 9^th, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and attracted corporate and individual investors throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Mindful of the myriad of issues confronting economies world-wide, BDC recognized the value of UTC’s Investment Conference and considered sponsorship as an opportunity to underscore its commitment to overall business development.

“We are proud to be supporters of UTC’s efforts to recalibrate the investment strategy of local consumer and corporate investors. This sponsorship is a natural extension of BDC’s duty to serve as a catalyst for the growth and sustainability of businesses in Trinidad and Tobago.” said Annelle Joachim, Vice President – Business Development.

The two-day Investment Conference featured several highly-acclaimed financial experts, discussing cutting-edge financial techniques to aid in stimulating growth and provided the necessary tools for investors to take charge of their financial futures. Presentations were also delivered by the Honorable Minister of Finance – Winston Dookeran, Mr. Ewart Williams – Governor, Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago and Mrs. Deborah Thomas-Felix – Chairman, Trinidad & Tobago Securities Exchange Commission among many others.

BDC Raises Hope!

administrator — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:37:04 +0000

The Business Development Company Limited (BDC) recently supported the efforts of Macaroni Kid Trinidad by contributing to its Family Day & Charity Fundraiser hosted on August 14^th 2011. The event titled “Raising Hope” was an opportunity for families to spend quality time together while simultaneously raising funds for three NGOs – The Just Because Foundation, The Strickland Foundation and the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organization.

“We are thrilled to be able to make this donation of $2500.00 and know that our friends at Macaroni Kid Trinidad are incredibly appreciative, as it can go a long way to help them accomplish their goals. We were also able to donate food items, used items of clothing and even a kid’s car seat, all in a bid to raise hope and help those in need” stated Nadia Narine, BDC’s Manager, Market Planning & Development.

The event held at St. Anthony’s College Grounds, Diego Martin to a turnout of families from across the country, also brought together NGOs and businesses, seeking to engender a spirit of community service and entrepreneurship among those present.

The BDC considers its donation a deserving one, as Macaroni Kid Trinidad advocates social responsibility by promoting a return to family values.

New Business Opportunities in Niche Manufacturing

administrator — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:30:28 +0000

BDC and NIHERST partnered once again to bring ‘New Business Opportunities in Niche Manufacturing.’ Held on 20^th July 2011, Niche Manufacturing was chosen since it was recognized that there are difficulties faced by businesses in a small country trying to compete with larger established producers in the world market.

It was also recognized that there are many businesses manufacturing the same goods for which competition is fierce and breaking into such markets can be difficult. Niche manufacturing overcomes these issues by bringing something totally new or differentiated from products currently existing in a market. These products can command a higher price because they are different and may satisfy a need of the customer which may have been overlooked by other suppliers. If Trinidad and Tobago is to replace the revenue currently earned by oil and gas then the country needs to produce expensive goods which are being demanded or will be demanded in the future. If niche products can be created in this way then quantity and mass production will become less important. Thus, the capital requirement and start up costs for companies can be reduced and number of new companies can be expected to increase as well. The future of Trinidad and Tobago manufacturing should be high valued niche products each armed with a defendable value proposition.