Scotiabank teaches teens entrepreneurial skills

The students, ranging in age from 15 to 19, learned the skills necessary for running a successful business during the inaugural edition of the programme, which ran from August 4 to 18 at Scotia Centre, corner Park and Richmond Streets, Port of Spain.

The topics covered during their training sessions included: how to make an elevator pitch; a succinct and persuasive sales pitch; goal setting; having the mindset of a business owner; the importance of marketing and having a unique selling proposition (USP); knowing your numbers and the importance of financials, team building and leadership as well as leverage through people, systems, marketing and finance.

In addition to certificates of participation, each candidate received $1,000 in a starter savings accounts from Scotiabank as well as student tickets to the upcoming TEDx Conference taking place on October 7 at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.

Scotiabank is a partner of TEDx locally.

The students’ successful completion of tasks assigned to them during the programme was recognised by Cindy Mohammed, manager of public and corporate affairs, sponsorship and philanthropy, marketing department at Scotiabank.

Addressing the teenagers and their family members during the awards and closing ceremony at Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain on September 21, Mohammed said, “You all performed so well that the scores were very close and as such, we decided that we needed to offer second and third prizes as well.” “Of course, the prizes will be in the form of savings accounts. This will really help you get your business idea started or perhaps can even be used to further your knowledge in business.” First place went to Dieffenthaller of St Stephen’s College, Princes Town, who received $10,000 in addition to the $1,000 given to all participants in their new Scotiabank starter savings accounts.

Dieffenthaller scored the highest total in the following: punctuality and attendance; participation/ interaction; homefun (homework); ownership, accountability and responsibility; and presentation.