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  • 2 years ago
Is it worth it? One of the businessmen behind the National Secondary Schools Entrepreneurship Competition has told students, when it comes to owning their own business, despite the challenges they'll face, it's definitely worth it.


At the launch of the 7th annual competition, students were encouraged to think outside of the box and to seize the opportunities as they come.


Alicia Boucher has more in this report.
Transcript
00:00 Over $100,000 in prizes are up for grabs at the 7th annual National Secondary Schools
00:05 Entrepreneurship Competition which has been launched and is expected to span 6 to 8 weeks.
00:12 Deputy Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens Bank Jason Julian says the idea of the work
00:19 hustle has been redefined with the generation label Gen Z doing many side hustles.
00:25 He states that there are several other outstanding characteristics of that particular generation.
00:31 The desire for purpose driven work, climate change, equality, diversity and inclusion
00:37 and beyond.
00:39 You prioritize innovation, social impact and work life balance.
00:44 And the next generation of innovators are typically driven by a vision to create meaningful
00:50 change in a world and are not afraid to challenge the status quo.
00:55 According to Julian, with the advancement of technology there are vast opportunities
01:01 past the borders of T&T and that's where NSEC can be an asset in providing tools including
01:07 mentorship and guidance.
01:09 He states that in the past 7 years 12% of NSEC participants have started their own business.
01:16 14% are in the process of starting a business and 77% have indicated that they are considering
01:24 starting their own business in the future.
01:28 Three Stone Research and Consulting Group is behind many businesses including Morvino
01:33 and Pastelab and is responsible for the NSEC.
01:37 Director David Stone tells students there have been many challenges and failures and
01:42 they resulted in changing business models and other advancements.
01:46 He says over time one of the key aspects of their success has been adaptability and the
01:51 COVID-19 pandemic was a major curve ball.
01:54 You may ask yourself with all these stories is it worth it?
01:58 My answer is definitely.
02:00 The number one reason is that you control your own destiny.
02:04 You are your own boss, you set your own schedule, you put in the effort and you reap the rewards.
02:10 Shell Trinidad and Tobago is the competition's premier sponsor.
02:14 Its corporate communications advisor Kelly Marie Patel says the competition is about
02:19 more than just entrepreneurship but rather nurturing the spirit of young people and fostering
02:25 growth.
02:26 In this room we see the architects of tomorrow, the young visionaries who will shape industries,
02:33 solve global challenges and drive progress for our country.
02:37 Massey Foundation calls on the teens to learn all that the experience has to offer.
02:43 Be present for everything.
02:47 Embrace the journey.
02:49 Seize every opportunity for growth and believe in your potential to make a difference.
02:56 Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
02:58 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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