Entrepreneurship Workshops
South Market Entrepreneurship Series (S.M.E.S)
NB: Some workshops are now available online!
We started our entrepreneurial workshops with the main aim of providing relevant and up to date guidance to assist T&T’s small to medium sized business owners (SMEs), aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, business start-ups, self employed persons and business professionals, as we’ve realized the information they need to start, grow and develop their business is not always readily available to them.
Our workshops are specifically designed for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, taking into consideration the many challenges our local business owners are faced with. All our workshops are fully interactive Question & Answer sessions and provide specialist support and guidance to participants. These workshops are facilitated by extremely knowledgeable entrepreneurs and expert consultants with lots of experience in their relevant fields. Workshop materials and refreshments (snack boxes\coffee break) are included. Participation Certificates are also awarded to attendees.
1. Register via our Registration Form
Upcoming Workshops
| 2023 Dates | Workshop | Time | Venue | Cost (TTD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 18th March | Business Start Up & Taxation | 9am -12noon | Online (via Zoom) or Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College) | $300 |
| Sat 20th May | Business Start Up & Taxation | 9am -12noon | Online (via Zoom) or Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College) | $300 |
| Sat 12th Aug | Business Start Up & Taxation | 9am -12noon | Online (via Zoom) or Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College) | $300 |
| Sat 14th Oct | Business Start Up & Taxation | 9am -12noon | Online (via Zoom) or Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College) | $300 |
Dates Coming Soon
Date
Workshop
Time
Venue
Cost (TTD)
Register
Sat 22nd June 2024
Business Start Up & Taxation
9am-12noon
Online (via Zoom) or
Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College)
$300
Sat 17th Aug 2024
Business Start Up & Taxation
9am-12noon
Online (via Zoom) or
Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College)
$300
Sat 12th Oct 2024
Business Start Up & Taxation
9am-12noon
Online (via Zoom) or
Classroom (at Naparima (boys) College)
$300
1. Business Start Up & Taxation
An ideal workshop for existing entrepreneurs or someone planning to start their own business. We take you through starting your business, choosing an ideal business structure all the way up to applicable taxes. The workshop is facilitated by two knowledgeable and experienced business owners, Mr. Siljan Ramphal (an avid entrepreneur with over 16+ years experience), and Mr. Rishi Dinanath, a Chartered Accountant (FCCA | CA | MBA), with over 19+ years experience in the accountancy field.
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
2. Starting a Food Business
A one-stop shop for anyone thinking about starting a food business or who has recently gone into business in the food sector. This workshop will provide you with information and resources to help build and grow your business and it was developed by Mrs. Marina Ramjohn, a former lecturer and department head at the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI). She currently manages her own consultancy firm and has over 20 years Training and Development experience in T&T’s hospitality and tourism sector.
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
3. Start an Online Store in T&T
For the first time, online shopping is booming in Trinidad & Tobago. Lockdowns and SoEs amidst the pandemic has forced everyone online. Learn how to start your own online store from the leading E-Commerce expert in Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. Zaf Rahaman, owner of Forward Multimedia, one of the premier web design companies in the country. You’ll learn about the platforms available, online payment options and online marketing, and how to put them together to make it work. Forward Multimedia is also the web designer for Southmarket, 868.Market websites, and has a current active portfolio of 16 live online stores, including Bel Air Store, one of the best performing online stores in the country.
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
4. Intellectual Property
Do you have any questions about patents, trademarks & other ways to protect your intellectual property? Then join us at this informative Intellectual Property workshop which will cover key IP topic areas relevant to entrepreneurs & business owners in T&T. This workshop is facilitated by Ms. Terita Kalloo, an experienced Attorney at Law who specializes in Copyright Law, Trademark Filings, Patent Filings, Intellectual Property Litigation, Intellectual Property Audits & Valuation, Entertainment Law, Corporate Law & much more! At this workshop we’ll cover strategies & IP management and why entrepreneurs & small businesses should consider them. Join us for an informative, engaging and fully interactive workshop where our facilitator will provide practical advice and insight on several critical IP topics. Let us help you grow & add value to your business.
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
Pastry & Baking Workshops
These workshops are open to everyone, no matter your level of skill. These workshops are ideal for those wanting to learn or improve their baking skills at home, first time bakers, apprentice bakers, dessert or event caterers, experienced chefs or even cooking enthusiasts who are looking to perfect their technical skills. It is also ideal for those looking to start their own baking business or those who already own an existing business & looking to retrain or even broaden their field of skills. Entrepreneurial tips are provided throughout each workshop.
Each workshop is professionally taught by experienced & certified, chef extraordinaire, Chef Paul. Chef Paul mastered his gastronomic art & technique in Paris, France at the renown Ecole Lenôtre (Paris). Each workshop is taught in a friendly & professional atmosphere and Chef Paul perpetuates passion & excellence. His dream is to pass on to you, techniques & secrets that give the inimitable tastes to each item you make. Under his expert instruction & guidance you would master any baking technique with ease.
We are currently offering these specialised workshops:
- Verrines (Cup Desserts)
- Gourmet Croissants
- Tartelette Box
- Avant Garde Cheesecakes
- Artisan Breads, Donuts & Bagels
- Pastries for Beginner & Advanced Bakers
- Modern Diabetic Baking (completed)
NB: Chef Paul would also be leaving the country after these workshops so these classes may not be offered again in the near future.
All sessions are Hindu & Muslim friendly (i.e. no beef, no pork & halal ingredients). These workshops are small so that each participant can get personal attention. All ingredients are provided for each workshop and there are no other fees. We have limited spaces at each workshop so register early & get your aprons ready! We look forward to you joining us.
Pastries For Beginners & Advanced Bakers
In this class you’ll be guided on how to make dough from scratch, the ideal temperature for handling each pastry and the differences between the pastry dough for each pastry. You’ll learn each pastry recipe, baking tips and tricks and the science behind baking for both beginners and advanced.
We focus on correct work techniques, easy-to-achieve decoration techniques, the quality & quantity of the ingredients and their correct use to achieve exquisite pastries that impress with appetising tastes or unusual flavour combinations.
In this workshop we cover:
- Currants Roll
- Choux de Pie
- Mille Feuille
- Galician Chicken Pie
- Sausage Roll
- Lobster Tail
- Paris Brest
- Pastry Baklava
- Pastry Cream
- Choux pastry
- Halal Ham Roll & more!
All ingredients & equipment provided. Teas, coffee, sandwiches, snack plates available. Certificate of Participation awarded. Workshop folder with recipes & notes provided. You’ll only be required to walk with your apron & a 12” cake box to take away all your ready to eat scrumptious goodies.
Date: Sun 30th April, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1500 (all ingredients provided)
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
VERRINES (CUP DESSERTS)
Verrines, take their name from the French word “verre,” meaning glass. These elegant French desserts, are perfect for café owners, caterers, bakers of all levels and kitchen enthusiasts. In this fully interactive, hands-on workshop, you will learn easy-to-grasp techniques that will boost your confidence and ability to wow your customers or loved ones. The class will cover recipes and techniques for making perfect verrines with readily available ingredients and you’ll learn a range of verrine components and variations that are interchangeable, inspiring you to create your own unique dessert combinations.
Led by our expert chef and instructors, this course is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced bakers. Participants will learn to make chocolate cremeux, custards, and fruit-based parfaits, plus how to make smooth and perfectly textured creams and jellies and flavor them for various applications. Additionally, we will demonstrate techniques for layering and assembling desserts, including making meringues and crumbles for added crunch, as well as making chocolate decorations and garnishes for a beautiful finish.
The recipes include eggless options and all products are halal. By the end of the course, attendees will have a display of beautiful treats to please every palate and if baking professionally, to boost sales and delight customers.
We’ll cover in detail the following verrines:
- Mango Crémeux with Coconut
- Pistachio Chocolate Mousse Verrines
- Fruit Cup and Yogurt Parfait
- Churros and Caramel
- Berry Trifles with Mousseline
- Art of Verrine Layers, Textures, and Flavors
- Chocolate Decor, Garnishing & more
All necessary ingredients and equipment will be provided for you. We will also provide tea, coffee, sandwiches, refreshments & lunch for your enjoyment. As a participant, you will receive a Certificate of Participation and a workshop folder containing recipes and notes. You will only need to bring your apron and a 12″ cake box to take away all of your delicious creations!
Date: Sun 16th April, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1750 (all ingredients provided)
Gourmet Croissants
Learn the art of crafting delectable sweet and savoury croissants from scratch, at this hands-on Croissant workshop. You’ll learn to make & bake French Croissants, Danishes, Quiches, Brioches, Croissant variations, delectable fillings & more! Our expert chef will guide you through the process of creating laminated dough, while also demonstrating how to perfect your rolling, shaping, and proofing skills. By the end of the class, you will have a variety of scrumptious gourmet desserts to take home and savour. Your friends & family will be left wondering if you took a quick trip to France!
Topics and techniques explored in this class include dough composition and lamination, yeast fermentation and flavour formation. The course will help everyone from complete beginners who have never made a croissant before, to experienced bakers.
The course will also make an amazing gift to your friend or a family relative who are aspiring bakers and want to pursue to become professionals or just want to have fun baking. At this workshop we’ll cover the following baked items:
- Almond Croissant
- Pain au Chocolat
- Cheesecake Bicolor Croissant
- Mango Frangipane Danish
- Savory and Sweet Brioche
- Croissant Quiche
- Apple Pie Croissant
- Pain au Raisin
- Fruit Tart Croissant
- Fillings & more
All ingredients & equipment provided. Teas, coffee, sandwiches, snack plates available.
Certificate of Participation awarded. Workshop folder with recipes & notes provided. You’ll only be required to walk with your apron & a 12” cake box to take away all your ready to eat scrumptious goodies.
Date: Sun 23rd April, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1700 (all ingredients provided)
Tartelette Workshop
Learn all the necessary steps for making amazing tartelettes including the secrets of the deliciously French tartelettes. In this workshop, you’ll learn to make a variety of gourmet tartelettes. Techniques would be taught, including making and forming the dough, making the fillings (vanilla cream, almond cream, ganache, lemon curd) & filling and finishing the tarts.
You’ll learn how to make a variety of delicious creamy fillings, including airy, fluffy and fruity fillings as well as a variety of filling flavours (e.g. fruit, almond, chocolate, lemon & more). We’ll show in detail how to make dough, how to shape the tartelette shells and of course how to prepare the perfect mousse or ganache. We’ll also cover the finish & decoration of tartelettes, so that it would look just as delicious in a tartlette box or on a dessert plate!
We’ll also teach you just how versatile tartelettes can be, and with the techniques & varieties you’re taught you’ll see how endless your tartlette variety & flavours can be!
In this workshop we cover in detail the following tartelettes:
- French Apple Tart
- Marzipan Almond tart
- Brownie Mousse Tartelette
- Chocolate Tart
- Fruit Tartelettes with Passion Fruit Curd
- Creme Pâtissière Choux Pie Craquelin
- Chocolate Decor & more
All ingredients & equipment provided. Teas, coffee, sandwiches, snack plates available. Certificate of Participation awarded. Workshop folder with recipes & notes provided. You’ll only be required to walk with your apron & a 12” cake box to take away all your ready to eat scrumptious goodies.
Date: Mon 24th April, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1700 (all ingredients provided)
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
Avant Garde Cheesecakes
Indulge in the avant-garde world of cheesecake making with this workshop! Our expert chef & instructors will guide you through the techniques and tools needed to create stunning and innovative cheesecake designs that will have your taste buds and eyes amazed.
Join us and discover how to elevate your cheesecake game with unique flavour combinations, creative decorations, and advanced techniques. This workshop is perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level, make a statement at their next event or impress their customers.
No prior baking experience is needed, as our instructors will provide step-by-step instructions, guidance, and inspiration to help you craft your own avant-garde cheesecake masterpiece. Plus, you’ll get to take your creations home and impress your family, friends & even customers with your new skills.
With limited spaces available, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the exciting world of creative cheesecake making with us. Register now and get ready to create bold and delicious cheesecakes that will leave a lasting impression!
You’ll learn to craft, bake & decorate the following cheesecakes at this workshop:
- Strawberry Semifreddo Cheesecake
- Berries & Vanilla Cheesecake
- Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake
- Lemon Cheesecake with mirror glaze
- Arabic Cheesecake
- Choux Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Decor & more!
Date: Tue 25th April, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1750 (all ingredients provided)
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
Artisan Breads, Donuts & Bagels
We make this baking class informative, simple & lots of fun. The workshop covers the entire process of the bread baking method including how to prepare different types of flour, dough variation, calculating temperatures, measuring ingredients and the provision of recipes. The workshop touches on traditional bread preparation including yeast and fermentation, how to choose ingredients & which type of ingredient gives you desired results.
We’ll also cover topics such as how to prepare and preserve dough, kneading, and shaping your loaf and many tips & techniques.
This workshop is geared towards beginning bakers or those interested in learning tips & techniques in baking a variety of breads, donuts & bagels. We’ll cover the following baked items:
- Ciabatta Bread
- Fishelli Bread
- Glaze Donut
- Hops Bread
- French Bread
- Multi-Grain Loaf
- Rustic Thyme Bread
- Savory Cheesecake Salmon Focaccia
- Artisan Bagels & more
All ingredients & equipment provided. Teas, coffee, sandwiches, snack plates available. Certificate of Participation awarded. Workshop folder with recipes & notes provided. You’ll only be required to walk with your apron & a 12” cake box to take away all your ready to eat scrumptious goodies.
Date: Thurs 27th April, 2023
Time: 9am-5:30pm
Cost: $1800 (all ingredients provided)
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
Modern Diabetic Baking
Better nutrition starts in our kitchen and these recipes & techniques will support your wellness goals without sacrificing flavour. This workshop goes way beyond replacing sugar for alternatives. In this workshop you’ll learn about the low glycemic ingredients to bake perfectly for diabetic people. We’ll show you how simple it can be to bake with health & wellness in mind whilst using daily ingredients that’s easily found in the groceries or markets. The ingredients used are practical & focused on flavour, so that each dessert will satisfy taste buds whilst achieving your health goals.
This workshop would include a combination of sugar free, low carb, egg free & gluten free desserts. You’ll learn to make the following & more:
- Diabetic Friendly Macarons
- Vegan Sugar Free Almond Tarts
- Sugar Free Apple Tarts
- Flourless & Sugar Free Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Diabetic Friendly Berry Cake
- Sugar Free Tiramisu & more
All ingredients & equipment provided. Teas, coffee, sandwiches, snack plates available. Certificate of Participation awarded. Workshop folder with recipes & notes provided. You’ll only be required to walk with your apron & a 12” cake box to take away all your ready to eat scrumptious goodies.
Date: Thur 30th March, 2023
Time: 10am-5:30pm
Cost: $1750 (all ingredients provided)
(Register for this workshop via registration button below).
What is Included in all our Pastry & Baking workshops:
Languages: Our tutor is versed in English, French, Spanish & Creole
What is included: With each workshop participants will be provided with all ingredients & utensils, recipes & notes. Tea, coffee & light snacks would be available. Everything that is made on the day can be taken home with you.
What to bring: Your apron & a 12 inch cake box to take home your baked items in.
Requirements: There are no entry requirements but learners should note that classes are best suited for 13+ and older.
Venue: Workshops take place at Coconut Drive in San Fernando. Directions would be provided to each participant closer to the event.
Duration: 10am-5:30pm
Certificate: A Participation Certificate is presented to each participant.
Payment Plan: 50% downpayment to secure your spot & 50% due seven days before workshop.
Individual Discounts: Register for two or more workshops & receive TT $50 off each workshop.
Group Discounts: Groups of 3 – 5 get $50 off each registrant. Groups larger than 5 get $75 off each registrant. Group payment must be made in 1 payment.
Related Workshops: Participants interested in starting or expanding their business are also invited to attend our Business Start Up & Taxation workshop ($300) & our Starting a Food Business workshop ($300).
NB: All images used to advertise this workshop feature items made by Chef Paul or his students.
Testimonials
“This workshop gave me the confidence to take my business to the next level.”
— Candice M.
“Very informative and the facilitator was excellent. All my questions were answered.”
— Kevin S.
“The information received was exactly what I needed. Can’t wait to go home and start working on making my business a reality.”
— Rene W.
Some of our workshops hosted to date are:
- Business Start Up & Taxation
- Starting a Food Business
- Marketing & Brand Building for Entrepreneurs
- Financing Your Business
- Social Media SOS: Strategize, Optimize & Socialize
- Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
- Business Ideation (CARIRI)
- Intellectual Property for Business Owners
- How to Start an Online Store in T&T
We have hosted workshops at various locations including the:
- T&T Chamber of Industry & Commerce (TTCIC) – Westmoorings
- T&T Bureau of Standards (TTBS) – Trincity, Macoya
- Naparima College & ROYTEC South Campus – San Fernando
- The Areef Ali Success Centre – Chaguanas
- The Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) – San Fernando
- Our Workshops are also available online via Zoom.
