The future of cleantech development and industry in Barbados is here! Meet the innovative incubatees of Bloom, the Barbados Cleantech Cluster. Discover their businesses, projects, personal stories and unique journeys in this interview series.*

Q: What’s your name and what’s your project/business?

A: I am Simera Crawford. My business is the Caribbean Environmental Management Bureau (CEMBI), an arm through which innovative plans or solutions to targeted Sustainable Development Goals are initiated, created, developed and aided for release as products and services. One such solution is BitEgreen Market web platform and app, aimed at enhancing the Circular Economy for overall operational efficiency of businesses, and integrating environmental preservation and other sustainable actions into mainstream society through everyday activities.

Q: Tell us one thing you’re proud of since the inception of your project/business.

A: Being able to develop a solution that offers value to the community at large through the preservation of the environment for present and future generations; and going about achieving this through great partnerships.

Q: Why did you choose to sign up for Bloom?

A: To aid further development of my green business through Bloom’s targeted clean-tech cluster services and partnerships. These are geared to help my green business reach its full potential.

Q: Is there anything you learned or gained so far from participating in Bloom that helped you to keep moving forward?

A: I got much needed knowledge pertaining to preparing a business plan, certified training and project implementation assistance.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience in your cleantech journey?

A: Having direct access to showcase our product to industry officials without too much hassle.

Q: What are the top challenges you are facing? How are you dealing with these or what do you think could be helpful?

A: Having a permanent team to foster high performance implementation of this very extensive solution and assistance with all forms of marketing and communications is a challenge. Bloom’s programme is designed to help alleviate these concerns; however, growth of the business over time will also diminish these problems.

Q: Where are you now on your journey to success? How have you grown?

A: The BitEgreen app under CEMBI is a project associated with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with links to another UNICEF project. It has attracted local and international praise including being awarded the “Most Comprehensive Circular Economy App Design” by BUILD’s magazine Recycling and Waste Management awards 2020. Additional kudos came when BitEgreen was nominated to be part of the 2021 Energy Globe Awards, of which the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a premium partner. It was nominated by Energy Globe’s founder in Austria.

Q: What keeps you going?

A: I live by a purpose which is to preserve the well-being of nature for present and future generations. I have the training and abilities to do something about it. I feel that it is simply the ethical thing for me to do given the vast benefits for all, compared to other customary actions and paths taken presently. Aside from that, I am a creative being who just needs to create.

Q: What does success look like for you?

A: Success is leaving the world a little better than I found it with useful tools and knowledge for others to utilize. I appreciate harmony among all people and being at peace with the goals I set for my life, both achieved and unachieved.

Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring cleantech innovators?

A: Do not give up on your goals. Keep learning and pivoting as necessary until you reach them. Knowledge, integrity and patience are necessary for true success in any field. Appreciate and include what makes you different in life, and find a business mentor or coach as soon possible to help accelerate general and personal growth.