Dareem Jeffrey

29-year old Dareem Jeffrey’s entrepreneurial journey began with a mission to combat water scarcity in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Growing up in a rural community, he witnessed first-hand the challenges posed by water shortages. This inspired him to create EcoWash, an innovative, ecological carwash system that uses only two litres of water per vehicle — a ground-breaking solution in a nation often facing water restrictions.

EcoWash has made a remarkable impact, washing over 45,000 vehicles and saving more than 8 million litres of water in just two years. Beyond water conservation, the business has created employment opportunities for dozens of young people, many of whom have pursued university education while working at EcoWash. By employing youth, Dareem is not only helping to reduce unemployment but also cultivating a dedicated and energetic workforce eager to drive sustainable change.

Building on his success, Dareem plans to launch the EcoWash Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Initiative, aimed at providing jobs for young people aged 17 to 25. This initiative guarantees employment for those transitioning out of orphanages and foster care, ensuring they have opportunities to build stable futures. With this expansion, Dareem envisions employing hundreds more youth while continuing to promote water conservation and reducing carbon footprints across the Caribbean and beyond.

Dareem received support from Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago who matched him with a dedicated mentor.

“My mentor has helped me develop my concept, launch, and scale my business. He has been with me from the very start—even before I had an established idea.”

Through EcoWash, Dareem is not just changing how cars are washed—he’s pioneering a movement for sustainability, youth empowerment, and water conservation.

Dareem is the winner of YBI’s Social Entrepreneurship Award 2024 and was a finalist in YBI’s Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024.