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Applications are Open for the Conecta Caribbean 2027 Cohort
Following an exciting first year bringing together Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) from across the Caribbean, Conecta Caribbean is back for Year 2.
The 2027 cohort will bring together a new group of organizations ready to strengthen how they support entrepreneurs, build more effective incubation programs, and collaborate with peers across the region.
Whether you are developing your first structured entrepreneurship program, strengthening an existing model, or bringing years of experience to the ecosystem, there is a place for you in Conecta Caribbean.
Join the next generation of Caribbean ecosystem builders.
From a Pilot to a Regional Movement
Year 1 proved what is possible when Caribbean ecosystem builders learn, experiment and collaborate together.
Through the first Conecta Caribbean cohort, ESOs from across the region came together to strengthen their organizations, exchange knowledge and put new approaches into practice while building relationships that extend beyond individual programs and borders.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
In 2027, we’re building on that momentum.
We are welcoming a new cohort of ESOs ready to learn from what worked in Year 1, bring new perspectives to the community, and help shape the next chapter of a stronger, more connected Caribbean entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Why Conecta Caribbean?
Conecta Caribbean, part of the CARIBEquity Facility, co-funded by IDB Lab and the European Union, is a regional ecosystem-building initiative dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurship across the Caribbean.
Our focus starts with the organizations behind the entrepreneurs.
Incubators, accelerators, universities, NGOs, foundations, hubs and other Entrepreneurship Support Organizations play a critical role in helping founders turn ideas into viable businesses. But across the Caribbean, many ESOs are doing this work with small teams, fragmented networks and limited opportunities to learn and collaborate across borders.
Conecta Caribbean is helping change that.
We are building a regional community where ESOs can strengthen their organizations, improve the programs they deliver, learn from one another and build lasting connections across the Caribbean.
Our vision is a resilient, interconnected and sustainable Caribbean innovation ecosystem where strong ESOs help unlock entrepreneurial success, jobs, opportunities and solutions for the region.
Why Join the 2027 Cohort?
Strengthen your organization
Take part in practical capacity building designed around the realities of Caribbean ESOs. Strengthen your approach to leadership, strategy, operations, sustainability, impact measurement and entrepreneurship support.
Build lasting regional connections
Join a community of ESOs and ecosystem partners across the Caribbean. Exchange experiences, share what works, tackle common challenges and build relationships beyond your own market.
Increase your regional visibility
Position your organization as an active contributor to a growing movement working to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation across the Caribbean.
Turn learning into action
This is not training for training’s sake. The program is designed to help your team apply what you learn to your organization and the entrepreneurs you support.
Who Are We Looking For?
There is no single profile of a strong ESO.
For the 2027 cohort, we want to bring organizations with the drive to learn and collaborate. What really matters is your commitment to strengthening your organization, supporting entrepreneurs effectively and contributing to the wider Caribbean ecosystem.
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
We are looking for ESOs that demonstrate:
- Legal registration in at least one of the 15 eligible CARIBEquity countries
- Experience supporting entrepreneurs, startups, innovators or SMEs
- Sufficient team and organizational capacity to participate actively throughout the program
- Commitment to learning, collaboration and the Conecta Caribbean methodology
- Alignment with inclusion, gender and climate priorities
Eligible organizations may include non-profits, foundations, cooperatives, incubators, accelerators, universities and academic institutions, private ESOs, innovation hubs and other organizations actively supporting entrepreneurship.
One Caribbean.
15 Countries.
For Year 2, we want the Conecta Caribbean community to reflect the breadth and diversity of entrepreneurship ecosystems across the region.
Applications are welcomed from organizations operating in:
We strongly encourage applications from across all 15 eligible countries as we continue building a community that connects ecosystem actors across markets, languages and different stages of ecosystem development.
The Ecosystem We Want to Build
Caribbean entrepreneurship does not lack talent, creativity or ambition.
What the region needs are stronger systems around its entrepreneurs: organizations with the capacity to deliver effective support, collaborate across borders, learn from evidence and build programs grounded in Caribbean realities.
ESOs are central to making that happen.
Across the region, they serve as connectors, mentors, program builders and trusted partners for entrepreneurs. Strengthening these organizations therefore strengthens much more than individual programs — it strengthens the ecosystem itself.
Conecta Caribbean is helping move the region from isolated efforts toward a more collaborative ecosystem: one where knowledge travels, relationships cross borders and organizations build on one another’s experience.
Year 1 started the journey. Year 2 takes it further.
Your 2027 Conecta Caribbean Journey
Phase 1
Applications
16 October – 30 November 2026
The call opens for Entrepreneurship Support Organizations across the 15 eligible CARIBEquity countries, including application and interviews with the Conecta Caribbean team to assess Conecta-fit and motivation.
Phase 2
Selections
End of December 2026
Applications and interviews are reviewed and the 2027 Conecta Caribbean cohort is selected.
Phase 3
ESO Retreat & Conecta Summit
Early March 2027
The new cohort begins its learning journey, including training and an in-person ESO Retreat (fully funded).
Phase 4
Conecta Academy & Community
April – November 2027
Participating ESOs start the Conecta Academy capacity building program, and participate in co-created community events across the cohort.
Phase 5
Cohort Closing
December 2027
After celebration and reflection, ESOs start implementing their learnings into action in their everyday work with entrepreneurs. Final closing reflection and community sessions to close the cohort.
Ready to Help Build the Next Chapter?
The first Conecta Caribbean cohort showed the power of bringing ecosystem builders together.
Now it’s your turn.
Join a regional community of organizations committed to building stronger entrepreneurship programs, stronger organizations and a more connected Caribbean ecosystem.
Apply to join the Conecta Caribbean 2027 Cohort.
Applications Close 30 November 2026.
Conecta is an initiative led by Bridge for Billions that seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem worldwide through the training of incubators and the support of industry leaders.
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