National newspaper articles have identified loan delinquency rates are soaring amongst micro financing organisations such as, National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO) and the Business Development Unit (BDU) of the Tobago House of Assembly amongst others. NEDCO alone to the tune of above one hundred and sixty million dollars (TT$160,000,000.00) which accounts for approximately thirty-five percent (35%) of its total disbursed loans (Hassanali, 2023). Generally, the global industry level overdue rate is between 5-7%. Here, the data shows the more than 5-7% which is higher than industry level (Lamichhane, 2022; Muturi & Muthoni, 2016) .

Entrepreneurial measures have been lacking in Trinidad and Tobago and the most recent research publication is the 2014 Global Economic Monitor Report (GEM). This report measures entrepreneurial activity, intentions, perceptions, attitudes, and other indices in countries around the world and compares and ranks them for analysis purposes. For the period of this report, Trinidad and Tobago has been trending downward in Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) with the rate in 2014 being 14.6% down from 19.5% in 2013.

This study seeks to examine the internal success factors of entrepreneurs that when identified, grouped and analysed can lead to a higher degree of start-up success and by extension, improve loan efficacy rates for microfinancing organisations. It also intends to determine which entrepreneurial competencies can be used in training to increase the predictors of success for those start-up operators who do not possess the needed success traits.

The researcher for this study will be embarking on a quantitative cross-sectional study utilising a correlational research design and a survey method to collect data. A survey monkey questionnaire will be distributed to respondents, all of whom would have accessed micro financing loans from NEDCO, the BDU, Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT) and other micro-financing organisations within Trinidad and Tobago for the period January to December 2014. This timeframe will be utilised as it will allow for the five (5) year success or failure threshold whilst not being influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses which effects were seen from January 2020.

Wednesday 11th October 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. JASON C. CHARLES has an impressive track record of success in the field of entrepreneurship with multiple business ventures in both Trinidad and Tobago. His experience, knowledge and knack for recognising high-potential business opportunities would have shaped his capabilities as an entrepreneur and innovator. As a consultant, he offers comprehensive services to aspiring entrepreneurs, providing advice, guidance and assistance in achieving career growth.

Mr. Charles boasts over two decades of practical experience in entrepreneurship, business development, training, educational administration, career management and protocol. He has over a decade of experience as an Adjunct Lecturer and a Career Management Professional at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in 2003; followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from UWI two years later. Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School (2013). Currently, Jason is undertaking his Ph.D. programme at The University of Trinidad and Tobago in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies - with the goal of contributing to Trinidad & Tobago's growth as well as its neighbouring nations. His dissertation seeks to examine internal factors that can predict entrepreneurial success as well as loan repayment performance related to microfinancing institutions.

It is evident that Jason has an unwavering passion for entrepreneurship, human and business development; and he intends to positively affect policymaking decisions through his advice, thoughts, and experiences.