TTCIC and Republic Bank empower MSME Innovation at Digimark Reloaded on World MSME Day

Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27, 2024: In celebration of World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day 2024 on June 27, over one hundred and seventy five (175) local MSMEs participated in Digimark Reloaded – a digital innovation conference jointly hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) Nova Committee and Republic Bank. This one-day conference which was held at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, aimed to propel MSME growth through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and providing practical tools for MSMEs to innovate in their products, services and operations.

Under the theme, "Innovate to Elevate", the conference provided an opportunity for MSMEs to connect with industry thought leaders, as well as to gain expertise and diverse perspectives towards overcoming challenges, building capacity and forging valuable networks. Accordingly, with the support of Republic Bank as platinum sponsor, the TTCIC brought on board innovation expert, Keita Demming; marketing and communications specialist, Lisa-Maria Alexander; and customer experience leader, Samantha Conyers to engage and interact with participating MSMEs.

Supporting the local business sector to enhance its sustainability, competitiveness, and longevity is a top priority for Republic Bank. This collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Nova Committee underscores the Bank's dedication to advancing the local business sector and promoting entrepreneurship. In addition to its platinum sponsorship of Digimark Reloaded, the Bank also sponsored the full cost of attendance for fifteen (15) of its MSME customers.

In her delivery of the sponsor’s remarks at the event, Tricia Bissoon-Pollard, Manager at Republic Bank’s Centre for Business Innovation noted that in conjunction with hosting developmental workshops, the Bank is also working to provide MSMEs with the necessary financing for growth. She stated “we expanded our investment into our Micro Loan product - a facility that offers attractive concessions, especially tailored with MSMEs in mind and includes relaxed qualifying criteria for small businesses to access up to $100,000.” The Bank also launched a new agribusiness loan product for SMEs with more than 2 years of experience, in the various segments of the agricultural sector, including pre-production inputs, primary production, agri-processing, and marketing and distribution.