The SME Toolkit Training Programme is offered in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA)  

This specialized training programme is offered to the TTMA membership with the overarching goal of making available much needed technical training which will lead to increased productivity, efficiency and profitability of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The objectives of the SME Toolkit Training Programme are as follows:

1. Increasing the competitiveness of SMEs through training and applied studies;
2. Identifying the unique problems and challenges of SMEs locally and crafting creative and relevant solutions;
3. Ensuring the export readiness of SMEs.

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Modules in the SME Toolkit

The SME Toolkit programme consists of twelve (12) modules in the key areas of managing and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs.

1. Strategic Business Management

This module is designed to introduce participants to the business world and expose them to the key concepts, tools, and principles of strategy formulation and competitive analysis. The module takes participants along a journey that results in an appreciation of strategic management and will explore the managerial decisions and actions that affect the performance, survival and sustainability of SMEs. The module will focus on topics such as:  Profitability, Competitive Advantage, Competitor Analysis and Entrepreneurial Strategies.

2. Business Development Strategies

This module seeks to guide SMEs through practices that will promote growth by focusing on vital areas of operations. These engaging lessons demonstrate to participants, how to apply the foundations of business development in their organizations, use sales and marketing strategies to unearth new market opportunities, as well as leverage technology to expand business operations, and build a strong competitive advantage for navigating the challenges of the current business environment.

3. Customer Relationship Management & Sales Generation

This module will provide a sound introduction to Customer Relationship Management (CRM), give a comprehensive understanding of the three components that make up an effective CRM strategy and demonstrate the practical applications of CRM software in different sectors.  CRM is one of the most important components in any organisations business model to support sustainable growth. It’s more than a software and supports a methodology that helps businesses attract the right type of customer, engage and nurture them using different sales strategies to grow their business.

4. Quality Management

This module will provide an in-depth, hands- on approach to Total Quality Management and Process Improvement (TQM). It will also examine the impact of COVID-19 on the quality management systems of businesses and lessons learned. Focus will be placed on the Principles and Philosophy enshrined in TQM; Process Improvement Tools and Techniques and the role of SMEs in creating a supporting environment that is conducive to and facilitates TQM, post COVID-19. The module will expose business owners to the principles of quality management, how to create customer-driven strategies, how to gather feedback from clients and how to design simple cost-effective structures for carrying out quality efforts.

5. Production Management

This module is a basic guide to the managerial principles which underpin successful production management in SMEs. It will address designing and operating the system for getting the work done. The module will address strategic planning for a manufacturing business: location, capacity, plant layout, production lead times - in relation to competitiveness.

6. Resource & Operations Management

This module treats with the process of using a company’s key resources in the most efficient way possible, on a daily basis.  These resources can be primarily categorised as money, materials, manpower and machines. Business owners need to ensure that the right number of resources are available at the right time, in the right department of the organisation. Critical to their success is an understanding of production planning and procurement strategies.

7. Innovation & New Product Development

Innovation and new product development is a crucial factor in ensuring the survival of SMEs. This, in the wake of the rapid rate of market and technological changes. This module will delve into the major steps in the new product development process; creativity & innovation and the product life cycle in respect of the long-term profitability and growth of a company.

8. Information & Communications Technology Management

This module aims to provide SMEs with a real-world understanding of how to make their businesses more competitive by aligning business strategy with Information and Communications Technology strategy, thus delivering value for a business and supporting business success. Information systems are one of the major tools available to business managers for achieving operational excellence, developing new products and services, improving decision making, and achieving competitive advantage.

9. People Management

This module will expose business owners to some of the dynamic elements of managing people. The main objective of the module is to provide SMEs with the fundamental knowledge and skills to effectively administer the human resources function in their businesses. Participants will gain an understanding of the various economic, technological, social, and legal forces that will have a significant influence on the design of effective HR systems and practices for SMEs.

10. Financial Management

This module seeks to provide business owners with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles, procedures and techniques underlying basic accounting processes. The module will provide SMEs with the skills to identify, measure, record, and communicate financial information and will address topics such as costing and pricing, break-even analysis, cash flow management and financial ratio analysis.

11. Export Management

This module aims to provide SMEs with an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to conduct successful exporting activities and penetrate new markets.  Key areas of focus will include developing an understanding of the trends in the international environment, conducting export-oriented market research to aid in market selection, evaluating an appropriate market entry strategy and building awareness of documentation requirements for exporting.

12. Cost Accounting

Cost management is critical to business success at the best times but is especially vital to business survival during this pandemic. This module is designed to provide support to those with particular responsibility for financial management vis-a-vis cost management in established businesses or SMEs. It offers real-world scenarios delivered through practical exercises to introduce and develop participants' understanding of the foundational concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques underlying cost accounting especially in manufacturing and merchandising firms.

Further Information and Contact

For more information, please call 225-1299 ext. 2110, 2119 or 702-3540, 799-4898 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You may also contact:

Ms. Genevieve Julien
Manager - Corporate Training & Community Engagement
UWI-ROYTEC
Tel: 225-1299, Ext. 2180
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.