Cohort 4
Supporting Local Businesses to Soar
The Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Unit Trust Corporation have partnered to launch Cohorts 4 and 5 of the Scale Up TT program!
The dynamic business accelerator, developed by Professor Daniel Isenberg, has already propelled over 30 businesses to incredible heights.
- Combined revenue exceeding $460 million!
- Over 1,200 new jobs created!
- Businesses expanding into exciting new markets!
These numbers are more than statistics – they represent the dreams and determination of local entrepreneurs.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, recognizes the impact of SMEs: “They are the unsung heroes, driving job creation and economic development.”
Nigel Edwards, Executive Director of UTC, emphasizes the program’s impact: “Scale Up TT is a mindset shift. It transforms how our business owners think about expansion.”
This isn’t just a program – it’s a movement! We’re turning obstacles into opportunities and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where our local heroes can flourish.
Click Here to apply for Scale Up TT Cohort 4!
Advance Commercial Equipment Limited
Advance Commercial Equipment Ltd. is the premier supplier of food service equipment in the Southern Caribbean region, with over 40 years of experience. They have built a strong reputation for delivering reliable, innovative, and customer focused solutions to commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering establishments, supermarkets, and food retail outlets. Notable clients include Prestige Holdings, Hyatt, the Ministry of National Security, BP, Shell, Massy, and regionally Playa Hotels in Jamaica and Pegasus Hotels. The company has 27 employees and is led by Managing Director Mrs. Reshma Advani Rojas.
The company applied to Scale Up to strengthen business operations and achieve better alignment across all levels of the organization. Their aspiration is a more cohesive team where each individual understands their role and its impact on company success and personal development. A fun fact is that the Managing Director’s very first word as a child was the name of their first employee. Some employees have been with the company longer than the newest hires have been alive.
Contact:
Phone: (868) 674 7777 | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: advancecommercialequipmentld | Website: advancecommercial.co
Air Support Tactical Security Limited
Air Support Tactical Security Limited is a leading provider of security risk management solutions, specializing in GPS tracking, asset recovery, and advanced surveillance technology. Founded in 2016, the company has established itself as an industry leader in Trinidad and Tobago, offering innovative solutions for vehicle, marine, and home security. Their services include GPS tracking with stolen vehicle recovery, security and surveillance, security risk management consultancy, geoinformatics data sets and analysis, and firearms training. They have 40 employees and serve primarily retail marketers and corporate stakeholders.
The company’s success was generated through an aggressive reputation management strategy, with well posted social media videos of the CEO and his team recovering stolen vehicles becoming their well known brand. Their management team excels at analyzing macro level factors using the PESTLE framework, enabling swift and effective response strategies that drive revenue growth and mitigate operational risks.
Contact:
Phone: 868 235 5477 | Email: [email protected] | Website: airsupport-tactical.com | Facebook: airsupportgps
Belgroves Funeral Home
Belgroves Funeral Home, established in 1888 by a formerly enslaved woman, is the oldest and most respected funeral solutions provider in Trinidad and Tobago with over 136 years of experience. Belgrove has impacted the development of funeral solutions in Trinidad, the Caribbean, and the wider diaspora, receiving many international awards. They have grown from a small family owned business into a comprehensive funeral solutions company, providing services from prefunding to bereavement support. They are the only funeral home in Trinidad and Tobago to employ a full time qualified Bereavement Support Coordinator.
While commonly thought to sell funerals, Belgrove is really in the business of serving the emotional bereavement needs of clients, selling a sense of well being. They have 122 employees including subcontractors, and serve bereaved families. The company applied to Scale Up to help shift the team’s spirit toward making an audacious dream a reality. A fun fact is that they encourage team spirit with events including Christmas Secret Santa, cookouts, hikes, and family and sports day.
Contact:
Phone: 235 2178 Ext. 1000 | Email: [email protected] | Website: belgrove.com | Facebook: belgrovestt | Instagram: belgrovestt
Caribbean Adhesives & Chemicals Limited (CACL)
In August 1995, Caribbean Adhesives & Chemicals Limited was appointed exclusive licensee for both the manufacture and distribution of the “Dunlop” adhesive brand name. Their business activities include manufacturing commercial adhesives (both solvent and water based), paint thinners (lacquer and oil), flashing tape, industrial chemicals, and packaging material. In addition to their manufacturing facility, CACL operates an island wide wholesale distribution network through main distributors, with the hardware industry as their main customers. They also supply manufacturers and industrial customers, and have begun exporting to Guyana, Barbados, and Grenada.
The company has 14 employees and is 29 years old. Management includes General Manager Darryl Ramnath, Special Projects Manager Ryan Ramnath, and Manager of Legal and Exports Zeandra Maingot Ramnath. They applied to Scale Up to grow and develop their company in a sustainable way, hoping to develop a proper structure to operate more efficiently and boost revenue. Their fun fact is that they are family established, owned, and operated.
Contact:
Phone: 783 5682 (Zeandra Maingot Ramnath) | Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Civon Multi Services Limited
Civon Multi Services Limited’s core business is the maintenance of all brands of elevators and escalators. They also supply and install new units and original parts for all brands. Additionally, they provide a wide range of construction sector services, from electrical services to HVAC to design build from start to finish. The company has 30 employees and serves major customers including Piarco International Airport, Angostura Limited, MovieTowne, East Gate Apartments, and Carnival Cruises in Miami. The company is 8 years old and led by CEO Jonathan Lee.
Their helpful asset is developing sales pipelines. They applied to Scale Up to gain assistance in growing and developing the business to become the most successful company in their industry. Their aspiration is to have the right systems and strategies to support sustainable growth and increase profitability by 25%, preparing them for export markets. A fun fact is they started the business with $2,000 and “a wing and a prayer.”
Contact:
Phone: (+1868) 272 4866 / (+1868) 364 0468 | Email: [email protected], [email protected] | Website: civonmultiservices.com
Consulting Geotechnical Engineers Ltd (CGEL)
CGEL stands as a premier engineering consultancy specializing in civil geotechnical and material testing services. Since 2020, they have steadily grown their reputation as a reliable and innovative consultancy, contributing significantly to the advancement of civil geotechnical practice in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. They provide site investigations, materials testing, and engineering design support for construction projects. Major customers include Home Solutions Limited, National Gas Company, Urban Development Corporation, Ministry of Works, Airports Authority, and many others.
A unique asset is their cultural diversity and regional presence: the team includes individuals from Jamaica and St. Vincent, and they have launched a civil geotechnical laboratory in Jamaica named GeoLabs. 95% of their staff are under 30, and 80% of their engineering team are women. They applied to Scale Up on recommendation from Prudecor Limited and hope to increase sales revenue by 5 10% while developing a growth mindset.
Contact:
Phone: +1 (868) 235 4907 | Email: [email protected] | Website: cgel.net
Cruz Garments Limited
Cruz Garments Limited is a fifteen year old ready made garment manufacturing company nestled in Santa Cruz. While the company itself has existed for fifteen years, the garment factory and its entire staff have been operational for sixty years, having produced the first uniform for the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment. They mass produce work wear, uniforms, hospital wear, school uniforms, safety coveralls, security uniforms for public and private agencies, and more. They have 24 employees and serve major customers including MIC Institute of Technology, the Ministry of Rural Development, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Police Service, and CUC Maracas Secondary School.
Their helpful asset is the ability to finish orders in quick succession, demonstrating strong processes, time management, and productivity. They applied to Scale Up to enhance customer service abilities while increasing financial and cultural growth. Their aspiration is to increase market share locally and regionally, generating revenue to expand production and human capacity. A fun fact is that while the company was acquired 15 years ago, the prior operation had been running for 60 years.
Contact:
Phone: (868) 676 8841 | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: cruzgarments | Facebook: cruzgarmentsltd
Fresh Start Ltd
Fresh Start Ltd is a manufacturer of fresh fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates in sizes from 450ml to one US gallon. They also offer private label services, producing products to client specifications under their own brand. Recently, they began manufacturing and distributing PET bottles. The company employs 25 people (60% female, 40% male overall; 80% female and 20% male in leadership). Their major distributors are HADCO and PriceSmart, and their products are available at all major supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food chains, and fine dining establishments nationwide. The company was established in 1994 and is 30 years old.
Their team has extensive experience in food and beverage operations and problem solving. They applied to Scale Up to help grow and improve their business to realise full potential. Their aspiration includes improved sales and cashflow, increased export and access to foreign exchange, and a more cohesive management unit to ensure accountability and performance management. A fun fact: a day’s wages was once afforded with Play Whe winnings.
Contact:
Office: 235 3609 | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @freshstartjuices | Facebook: freshstartjuices
JLEW Signature Events Ltd
JLEW Signature Events Ltd is a full service event planning and management company specializing in creating unforgettable experiences. With comprehensive event planning services and cutting edge AV capabilities, they deliver outstanding results regardless of size or complexity. They have 45 employees including subcontractors, and their major customers include the Ministry of Youth and National Service, Ministry of Trade and Tourism, and Ministry of Sport and Community Development. The company is 10 years old and led by Managing Director Javan Lewis.
Their key asset is adaptability and strong problem solving abilities that enable them to respond swiftly to unexpected challenges. They applied to Scale Up to gain access to quality training, networking, and sustainable growth opportunities. Their aspirations after completing the program included increased revenue and profitability (achieved 25% growth within three months), a tripled customer base, increased brand recognition, enhanced operational efficiency, strategic business alliances, and motivated employees. A fun fact: they enjoy working together just as much as hanging out together.
Contact:
Phone: 868 229 1690 | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: jlewsignatureevents | Facebook: jlewsignatureevents
oDeliver
oDeliver is a tech enabled e commerce logistics company in Trinidad and Tobago. Their mission is to transform Caribbean logistics by delivering reliable, rapid services with innovative technology. They serve a vital role in the booming e commerce sector, reaching both bustling urban areas and remote corners of the islands. Powered by proprietary technology, oDeliver serves over 350,000 customers and 6,000 businesses, ranging from large retailers like Francis Fashion to online businesses like Jamars Marketing. The company has 40 full time employees and 100 independent drivers, and is 3.5 years old.
Their helpful asset is the ability to build technology solutions. They applied to Scale Up to access new strategies and tools to support their growth plans. Their aspiration is to grow by more than 25%, with more efficient operations, expanded delivery services, and a stronger management team. A fun fact: the letter “O” in oDeliver stands for “Online” as they focus on e commerce deliveries.
Contact:
Phone: 290 4399 | Email: [email protected] | Website: odeliver.net | Instagram: odelivercaribbean
Vetiver TT Ecological Engineering Solutions Ltd
Vetiver TT Ecological Engineering Solutions Ltd is a civil engineering company specialized in the use of the Vetiver System (VS) as a cost effective green infrastructure tool to solve soil and water related challenges. Their mission is to bring civil engineering expertise into sustainable solutions design, using the Vetiver System as a green, non invasive, and more cost effective approach. Their services include slope stabilization, riverbank stabilization, retaining wall alternatives, coastal protection, infrastructure protection, erosion control, land rehabilitation, and soil testing. The company is 10 years old, with a board of four directors plus five staff and a variable field crew of 8 12.
A key strength is the diverse skill sets of their team, combining technical, creative, problem solving, and organizational skills that encourage innovation. They applied to Scale Up to gain practical insights to directly impact growth and revenue generation. Their aspiration is to leverage increased sales to reinvest in expanding capacity, bringing on more team members and assets. A fun fact: Vetiver TT is the first civil engineering company to offer comprehensive plant based engineering solutions in Trinidad and Tobago.
Contact:
Phone: +1 (868) 239 2557 | Email: [email protected] | Website: vetivertt.com