Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, a social enterprise dedicated to the art of crochet and community empowerment, has received three prestigious awards at this year’s Small Business Association (SBA) Small Business Awards 2023. The accolades include the “National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Development,” “Small Business of the Year Award,” and the distinguished “Chairman’s Award.”
The “National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Development” acknowledges Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The work of crochet artists from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago in The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Community Empowerment and Environment Partnership (CEEP) “Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef” Project played a pivotal role in securing this award. Through this project, Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering sustainable practices and community growth, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to the recognition for sustainable development, Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet was honored with the “Small Business of the Year Award.” This award underscores the company’s successful workshops in Barbados, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. The third honour, the “Chairman’s Award,” spotlights Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet’s overall excellence, innovation, and contributions to the community and the industry.
Founder Nikisha Toppin expressed her gratitude saying, “We are humbled and honored to receive these awards from the Small Business Association. It is a testament to the Small Business Association’s support of small businesses, their hard work and dedication our success. We also express special thanks to our nominators from UNDP, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Ministry of Community Development, Trinidad and Tobago and Good to Go Charity. These awards not only recognize our achievements but also motivate us to continue our mission of fostering creativity, community, and sustainability through crochet.”
The Small Business Awards 2023 were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including FLOW, Caribbean Development Bank, and other Small Business Week supporters.
Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, a legacy of love and tribute to Elaine Doyle, who was a handicraft tutor, with the Ministry of Community Development, Trinidad and Tobago. Elaine was a friend to many in the community, a loving and supportive wife and mother, a beloved grandmother, and of course, a crochet teacher. Nikisha Toppin as her granddaughter seeks to continue this legacy, through granting Caribbean women the opportunity to use their current talent and love of crochet as an income generating opportunity, by providing the tools and resources needed for successful business development.