About the event
Embark on an extraordinary journey of innovation at the highly anticipated Champions of Business 2024 event, themed ‘Visionaries and Vanguards’. Immerse yourself in a world of captivating narratives and join us in honouring the visionaries who are revolutionizing our nation’s business landscape.
Unveil the winners across diverse categories at the Gala Awards Finale, including the Breakthrough Exporter of the Year, Entrepreneurship, Green Agenda, Innovation Award, Internationally Known… T&T Owned Company of the Year and SME Award categories.
Be part of the momentous occasion as we announce the inductees into the Business Hall of Fame during the Champions of Business True Stories episodes. Also, discover the finalists for the highly coveted Innovation Award and SME Award winner for each subcategory.
Mark your calendars for the Gala Awards Finale and Cocktail Reception, at the iconic National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on November 7th, 2024. Network with industry titans, mingle with like-minded professionals, and raise a toast to the exceptional achievements of our Business Champions. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration. Stay tuned for updates and secure your spot at the event of the year.
The T&T Chamber extends a resounding thank you to all sponsors of Champions of Business Awards 2024!
Champions of Business – True Stories Episodes
Champions of Business Awards programme is an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and presented annually. It was introduced in 2005 with the first induction to the Business Hall of Fame.
The programme was expanded and rebranded in 2014 as the Champions of Business. It currently encompasses the 4-part made for TV series “Champions of Business True Stories” and the live Gala Awards Finale.
The Awards celebrate excellence and capture a spectrum of achievements in business enterprise that includes small business development, creativity, innovation, technology development, sustainability, internationalisation and legacy. Each category is hinged on both business acumen and corporate responsibility. The Award categories are tailored to individuals and companies and are open to Trinidad and Tobago entities, whether they are members of the T&T Chamber or non-members. These Awards are truly aligned to the ethos and visions of the T&T Chamber and our partner sponsors who all have taken the opportunity to honour the outstanding individuals and corporations shaping our nation’s pride.
Each year, the stories of the award recipients are featured in “True Stories,” which highlights their journeys across all award categories. It captures the successes, challenges, and setbacks they faced while building their businesses. Following this, a live show is held to present the awards in person.
With the exception of the Business Hall of Fame and Innovation Finalists, the winners in all categories are only revealed at the Gala Awards Finale, a live show featuring all Award recipients, the key people who have supported them, and category sponsors.
The Champions of Business True Stories air on CNC3 weekly on Wednesdays on October 2, 9, 16 and November 1, 2024. Re-runs can also be seen on October 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2024.
The Champions of Business Gala Awards Finale will take place on November 7, 2024, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) beginning 6:30 p.m.
To view the Champions of Business True Stories aired October 2
please click here
Entrepreneurship sponsored by Republic Bank
The Entrepreneurship Award is presented to an individual or a business that was founded within the last 8 years and which has been experiencing strong growth. The recipient would be an owner or leader of a private or public company with primary responsibility for the recent performance of the company, as well as be an active member of management. Non-founding entrepreneurs are also eligible if the individual manages the business and assumes the associated risks.
The award recipient will be revealed with the presentation at the Gala Awards Finale to be held at NAPA on November 7, 2024.
SME sponsored by Republic Bank
The SME category consists of two Awards given to a Small and Medium sized company respectively; the size of the enterprise is defined by financial and employee data. This category of award was introduced to celebrate the contribution of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the Trinidad and Tobago economy. Nominees are assessed on a range of areas including having maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understanding its customer, responsible business practices, having an engaged workforce with effective leadership, demonstrating effective use of technology/digital media for engagement, is continuously innovating to support future growth – customers or revenue over the last five years in the services or produce sector.
The award recipients will be revealed with the presentation at the Gala Awards Finale to be held at NAPA on November 7, 2024.
Innovation Award sponsored by bmobile Business
The Innovation Award recognises groundbreaking use of technology, including social media, virtual reality, blockchain or artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and offer tangible improvements for customers, clients and businesses. This award underscores the pivotal role of innovation in fostering economic transformation. The award celebrates a company or individual that delivered innovative solutions or services to meet both new and existing market needs.
The award recipient will be revealed with the presentation at the Gala Awards Finale to be held at NAPA on November 7, 2024. Champions of Business True Stories on October 9th on CNC3 revealed more about this award. The three companies were named as finalists for this year’s Innovation Award:
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) has pioneered an innovative approach to tyre recycling with the establishment of a small-scale rubber crumb plant at the UTT San Fernando Campus. This plant converts used tyres into rubber crumb and powder, which are then used in various applications, including rubberized asphalt for road paving. The initiative, launched in January 2024, has already seen a successful test paving in Tunapuna. CARIRI’s collaboration with local and international bodies, including the Basel Convention Regional Centre and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa, supports ongoing research and market development for rubber crumb and downstream products. This project addresses environmental challenges by reducing waste tyre disposal, contributing to road durability, and fostering new business opportunities. CARIRI also integrates this innovation into its wider ESG efforts, which include youth programs and sustainability training.
Learn more: The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)
Panjam, developed by Deidre Cristal Lee Kin and Sean DeFreitas of Dingole Ltd, is an innovative VR-based music learning platform designed to improve cognitive and emotional well-being among seniors. By blending immersive virtual reality with steelpan music training, Panjam creates a unique and engaging experience tailored to the cognitive and physical needs of older adults, promoting healthy aging. The app integrates gamification elements to enhance learning while fostering mental stimulation and social connectivity. With a rapidly growing global senior population, Panjam has significant market potential, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of VR for seniors. It is scalable for global expansion and offers a non-pharmacological solution to age-related cognitive decline. Supported by scientific research in music therapy and gerontology, Panjam stands out in the age tech market, combining user-friendly design with advanced VR technology to create a socially impactful, sustainable, and marketable product for senior wellness.
Learn more: Panjam
Wyld Flwr, founded by Anya Ayoung-Chee, is a groundbreaking phygital festival wear brand that fuses Trinidad Carnival’s vibrant culture with Web3 technology, offering a unique blend of AR/VR experiences and NFT collections. This innovative approach sets the brand apart by empowering women and fostering self-expression. Wyld Flwr’s marketability lies in its appeal to fashion and tech-savvy consumers, supported by a sustainable revenue model that balances physical and digital product sales. With global scalability, its offerings are adaptable to various cultural festivals, and the production model can be replicated in other countries. The brand emphasizes social responsibility, partnering with Spöol to empower local women through employment opportunities, while its use of advanced AR/VR and Web3 technologies ensures cutting-edge innovation. Wyld Flwr employs a multi-channel marketing strategy, utilizing social media, influencer collaborations, and experiential marketing to enhance brand visibility. Additionally, the brand promotes sustainability and community engagement through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Learn more: WYLD FLWR
Business Hall of Fame
sponsored by
The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited
The Business Hall of Fame started in 2005 with the posthumous induction of founding member of the Chamber, Joseph Leon Agostini. The very first Business Hall of Fame was a simple ceremony that took place in the Board Room of the Chamber’s offices. The award soon outgrew its modest beginnings and evolved into an official programme which now inducts a maximum of two business leaders at its annual awards event. Each year outstanding individuals are inducted (one of whom may be posthumous) into our Business Hall of Fame.
George Janoura
Mr. George Janoura is still very active in day-to-day operations of Janouras Custom Design Limited & Janouras Limited. He leads by example to demonstrate core company values. His strong ethical values continue to influence all aspects of the business, his honesty and transparent nature has helped build trust among staff and foster loyalty resulting in many staff benefiting from long standing employment.
Investment in technology has built on the skill levels of employees and continues to influence the ease in which they can complete tasks which may have been solely manual in the past. His open-door policy encourages his team to share their thoughts and ideas which in turn has fostered a strong all women management team under his mentorship. He continues to encourage a culture of creativity and innovation by encouraging all employees to think outside the box and contribute new ideas. The company continues to implement training on new software programs and updates. These continuous learning opportunities helps employees develop new skills and advance their careers within the company. His main priority is to take care of his staff above anything else.
Junior Sammy
Mr. Junior Elgin Sammy entered the construction industry under the directive of his father at the age of 15. Junior Sammy expanded the business into a general contracting company specializing in civil and earthworks, engineering, coastal protection, site preparation and foundations and land development. Three decades later Junior Sammy Contractors Limited has become a prominent name in both the private and public sectors. The Group comprises of Junior Sammy Contractors, Jusamco Pavers, Sammy’s MultiLift Services, Sammy’s Marine Services and Sammy’s Minerals. Junior Sammy has also invested in the development of luxury dwelling complexes in the country. Each company within the group has been awarded and have successfully completed prestigious projects that have contributed to the development of our twin islands.
Junior Sammy continues to drive, pave and lift towards success, supporting local, regional and now international markets. The company has actively developed a new mechanical operations business side and sustains the ability to maximize opportunity in a dynamic market. For most projects, including foundation and construction works, road, highway and airport infrastructure, local contracting firm Junior Sammy Group of Companies is the partner of choice.
Green Agenda Award
sponsored by
The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited
The Green Agenda Award recognises the contribution and commitment that companies now make towards growing a greener future in business and delivering a new blueprint for business in the 21st Century. The award is given to a company which demonstrates leadership in implementing energy efficiency strategies and works to positively contribute to the promotion of a greener T&T.
Episode 3, True Stories – Business Hall of Fame and Green Agenda sponsored by NGC.
Internationally Known…T&T Owned Company of the Year
sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and Industry
The Internationally Known…T&T Owned Company of the Year recognises Trinidad and Tobago businesses that have achieved excellence in performance locally and regionally or internationally. The company would have demonstrated how they have successfully built their export capacity and internationalised. The category is open to corporate entities only (not individuals or professionals in business) and is awarded to one company which has been selected from among the nominees.
The recipient of this award will be revealed with the presentation at the Gala Awards Finale to be held at NAPA on November 7, 2024.
Breakthrough Exporter of the Year
sponsored by EXIMBANK
The Breakthrough Exporter of the Year category is open to smaller companies (not individuals or professionals in business) which have branched out into export markets and have been able to show significant growth
The recipient of this award will be revealed with the presentation at the Gala Awards Finale to be held at NAPA on November 7, 2024.