WITH only a week to go before applications close, Accelerate Caribbean has issued a last call, encouraging applications for its Business Incubation Clinic competition.
Applications were opened on April 15, 2015 to find the region’s 10 best business enablers who will take part in this pilot entrepreneurship programme over 12-months. Business enablers are those persons/ organizations that provide entrepreneurs and start-ups with various types of support and motivation, in the form of training; seed capital; professional advisory services; technology and workspace; or events and networking opportunities.
The Clinic will match each enabler with an internationally renowned entrepreneurship mentor who will provide one-on-one coaching and advice, peer-to-peer learning sessions, tailored networking opportunities and exposure to new models and best practices of accelerating early-stage enterprises’ growth.
This is an exciting opportunity for those involved in offering small business support services, as in addition to training, selected enablers will be invited to participate in an overseas study tour to see successful models of working incubators abroad
Accelerate Caribbean is designed by infoDev/The World Bank Group as part of its Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC). EPIC is a seven-year $20 million programme funded by the Government of Canada that seeks to build an enabling ecosystem to strengthen entrepreneurship and boost job creation.
This is an exciting time for entrepreneurship in the region, particularly for youth in innovation as evidenced by Obama’s recent visit and announcement of a US$ 70 million initiative. The Accelerate Caribbean business clinic aims to strengthen this burgeoning ecosystem by mentoring those organizations and individuals who nurture young entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Interested persons may visit http://acceleratecaribbean.com/ for further details and application forms.
Applications close Tuesday May 12, at midnight. Selected participants will be announced on May 29.
If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview with any of the mentors or World Bank representatives please callTassia Stewart 876-833-4540 or email [email protected].