Trust Fund Ltd. To Launch New Initiative Early Next Year

The Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL) will launch a new initiative early next year to empower its clients in the services sector.

General Manager of the BTFL, Jerry Amos, made the disclosure on Friday afternoon as he addressed the Staff Luncheon and Awards Ceremony for some clients, at Accra Beach Hotel and Spa.

Mr. Amos told the gathering: “Starting in the first quarter of the next financial year, we will launch STI-FEST – Service Technology Innovation Fest.
This initiative will blend technology and innovation to empower our clients in the services sector, equipping them with tools and insight to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.”

In highlighting some of the Fund’s accomplishments over its six years of existence, he pointed out that an online Loans Management System (LMS) was launched in 2024. He said the system has transformed the operations of the BTFL, as the loans process has been streamlined and is entirely online.

“Once the payment sections are completed, we will have a complete end-to-end system, making it easier for our clients to access and manage their financial services with us….

“We are not stopping there. In the second phase of development of the LMS solution, we will introduce artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance the system’s capabilities.

“These advancements will allow us to better anticipate and respond to clients’ needs, as well as provide valuable insight that will help us refine and improve our services. This is about more than technology; it’s about using innovation to deliver even greater value to our clients,” he stressed.

Mr. Amos said recent public discussions about the Fund’s $5,000 loan offering had sparked reflection within the organisation. He insisted that such an amount could deliver the remarkable outcomes showcased by BTFL.

“When paired with guidance and resources, $5,000 can be the seed that transforms a dream into reality. That being said, we also recognise that some businesses require more than the $10,000 that we offer as a second loan, after the first $5000.00 loan is successfully repaid.

“We will continue to champion grant funding for potential entrepreneurs at the pre-seed stage, ensuring that ideas can grow into enterprises. Our work must not only fund businesses but nurture them to succeed,” he emphasised.

The General Manager praised the staff for their commitment, describing them as enablers of dreams, architects of change, and the backbone of the organisation’s success. He also congratulated the 27 clients who received awards for their hard work and dedication.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Kevin Hunte, underscored the importance of the entrepreneurs and Trust Fund celebrating their achievements. He encouraged them to map out and list their achievements.

“We need to wave them high, especially in these days where negative news seems to be taking the predominance. And, so I want to encourage you both – Trust Fund as well as the awardees – to tell your story … as widely as you can, as loudly as you can, and with as much detail as you can, because your success is Barbados’ success,” Mr. Hunte said. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Collis Lowe of Gratitude Enterprises accepting her award from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Kevin Hunte