The National Entrepreneurship Development Company's (Nedco) 2024 Green Entrepreneur awardee is focused on being "intentionally" environmentally conscious, using innovative ways not only to overcome challenges but also to operate with minimal carbon footprint, even helping reduce the country's footprint.
Founder of Tropi-Mulch Ltd, Lionel Seucharan, 58, was among eight entrepreneurs to receive accolades at Nedco's third National Entrepreneurship Awards on August 3 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. According to Nedco's website, the award encourages micro and small enterprises to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as recycling, waste reduction and water, energy and building materials efficiency, which lead to a reduced environmental impact, as well as economic gains.
Awards were also given in the categories of Technology-Driven Entrepreneur, Innovative Entrepreneur, Youth Entrepreneur, Female Entrepreneur, Male Entrepreneur, Culture Entrepreneur and Nedco Client Entrepreneur.
The theme for the awards was Exploring Horizons which, the website said, highlighted local entrepreneurs who continue to experience not just growth and success but continue to provide "amazing and innovative solutions to the local and international markets."
Like its name suggests, the company specialises in locally made mulch products but also carries a wide range of items for agriculture and landscaping. This includes various plants, substrates, manure, compost, decorative stones and snail repellent. Its factory is based in Tabaquite and sells product to over 40 shops across both islands.
Seucharan said his passion for green practices and environmental care is something engrained in his DNA.
"It is part of my being. Since I've know myself I've always had that love for nature, that love for the environment.
"It was engrained in me, I would say, from the previous generations (like) grandparents and stuff to have care for the environment and for wildlife and stuff."
Nedco's influence
Seucharan credited Nedco with his success, particularly because of its grants and training. He said he was introduced to the organisation in 2013 when his business was in its infancy and struggling. With a background in teaching, he said he had no idea how to run a business. This is where he said Nedco's influence helped.
[caption id="attachment_1102449" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The range of products produced by Tropi-Mulch Ltd, Tabaquite. - Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]
"We have had quite a good relationship with Nedco over the last few years. A lot of their boot camps we've been attending, some of their social media management events on how to register a business, how to get involved in marketing, digital marketing, how to use Canva and all of these other platforms. In addition to that, we've been able to get some of the grants during covid.
"This award is recognition we are very grateful for because we have been in the trenches for 14 years. When we started off here...there were very few companies in this arena
