Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED)

The Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Programme aims to provide a mechanism to empower poor and vulnerable citizens who have an interest in starting or improving their own business but are unable to gain access to funding on their own. The Programme also facilities funding for skills training / re-training to promote employment.

Some of the objectives of the Programme include:

• Provide an initial step to facilitate entry of poor and vulnerable citizens into the competitive business environment.
• Provide support to existing clients of the MSDFS to build their independence and resilience.
• Increase awareness and training in micro entrepreneurship
• Contribute to the eradication of poverty through micro entrepreneurship
• Provision of skills training to ensure applicants develop competencies and skills which will enhance their opportunities for employment / self-employment.

Grant Funding:

• Provision of up to $15,000.00 in goods / equipment to establish / expand a micro business
• Provision of up to $7,500 to facilitate skills training at a recognized / accredited institution. Funds paid directly to training institution

 

Criteria

• Citizens and permanent residents of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Persons 18 years or over;
• Financial eligibility criteria – Application of a Standard Means Test

 

Documents Required

• Valid National Identification Card
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Address: Recent Utility Bill
• Proof of Income for all applicable members of the household – Job Letter/Payslip/Bank Statement, NIS letter, etc.
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
• Business Plan (template will be provided)
• Training Certificates (if available)
• Supplier Quotations