Driven by an unwavering commitment to uplift citizens and support families on the path from social assistance to sustainable self-reliance, the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services delivered Eighty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Eight Dollars (TT$87,938.00) in grant funding under its Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Programme on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Led by the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Sunday’s community outreach saw the Ministry continue its direct engagement with citizens, with Minister Mohit meeting recipients and gaining first-hand insight into the businesses and entrepreneurial ventures being supported through SEED.
The grants are supporting a diverse cross-section of enterprises including sign language tutoring, decorative concrete manufacturing, landscaping/maintenance services, beverage/agro-processing, auto repair and food sales.
From providing essential services and specialised skills to producing goods and supporting local food enterprise, the businesses reflect the wide range of talent, creativity and entrepreneurial potential within communities. The investment provides recipients with an opportunity to turn their skills and ideas into sustainable sources of income while strengthening their households and contributing to their communities.
The Ministry’s approach is focused on ensuring that assistance translates into meaningful opportunities for citizens to build greater economic independence. Minister Mohit said,
“It is important for us to understand exactly how this assistance will benefit each person and their business, because that helps us to see the real impact of the support being provided. Today, we saw determination, resilience and a willingness to grow and we are happy that the Government can provide support to help these entrepreneurs take their next steps.”
Sunday’s outreach brought the Ministry’s weekend of direct SEED engagement to a close. Over the course of the weekend, assistance was provided to sixteen (16) entrepreneurs, benefiting fifty-six (56) persons, with a total investment of Two hundred and thirty-six thousand, six hundred and forty Dollars (TT$236,640.00).
The weekend’s outreach demonstrates the Ministry’s continued commitment to taking support directly into communities and investing in the determination, skills and entrepreneurial aspirations of citizens. By helping people establish and strengthen their businesses, the Ministry is creating pathways towards greater self-reliance, stronger household incomes and more resilient communities.
Through the SEED Programme, administered by the National Social Development Programme (NSDP), eligible persons receive financial assistance to establish or expand micro enterprises, supporting entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
The Ministry remains focused on bringing Government support closer to the people and ensuring that social assistance can serve as a bridge to opportunity, independence and sustainable livelihoods.