An initiative from:
An initiative from:
The European Union and IDB Lab’s CARIBEquity Facility has partnered with Bridge for Billions to launch Conecta Caribbean a bold, multi-year effort to unite and strengthen Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) across the region. Together, we’re building more connected, resilient, and inclusive innovation ecosystems that accelerate high-impact ventures and drive long-term economic growth in the Caribbean.
Ready to take your solution to the next level? Through the Conecta Caribbean Prototype Grant Competition, early-stage entrepreneurs can access up to $40,000 US in funding to build or test their MVP, working with expert service providers and receiving six months of coaching from a Conecta Caribbean Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO). It’s an opportunity to turn promising ideas into tangible solutions that can create meaningful impact across the Caribbean.
CARIBEquity is a Facility co-funded by the European Union and IDB Lab, dedicated to strengthening the Caribbean investment ecosystem and promoting inclusive private sector innovation.
Conecta Caribbean, part of the CARIBEquity Facility, is an ecosystem-building initiative dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurship across the Caribbean. Through capacity building, community advocacy, and access to funding opportunities, Conecta Caribbean empowers ESOs to design and scale impactful programs that address real challenges throughout the region.
Around the world, thriving entrepreneurship ecosystems rely not only on supporting entrepreneurs — but on empowering the organizations that support them. Yet across the Caribbean:
Conecta Caribbean is here to change that.
We believe global progress requires a shift from isolated “ego-systems” to true collaborative “eco-systems.”
Our vision: a resilient, interconnected, and sustainable Caribbean innovation ecosystem where strong ESOs unlock entrepreneurial success — and with it, jobs, opportunities, and solutions for the region.
Building on proven ecosystem-strengthening programs across Latin America, Europe, and Africa, Conecta Caribbean brings a tested, impact-driven model to the Caribbean for the first time.
Conecta Caribbean is powered by 30 Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) working directly with founders across the region mentorship, training, incubation, and hands-on support. Find the ESO closest to you and reach out. No application needed to start the conversation.
Interested in learning more about Conecta Caribbean? Join an informative session co-hosted by IDB Lab and Bridge for Billions to learn about the program vision, ESO journey, benefits and the application process.
Friday 12 December at 10am ET.
Since 2020, Bridge for Billions has worked alongside worldwide actors, local teams and grassroots organizations to implement incubation programs for early-stage entrepreneurs. We’re proud of the impact achieved and excited to go much further with Conecta Caribbean.
Mentors
revenue increase after the program
Book a call to learn more about Conecta Africa and whether it’s the next big opportunity for your ESO!
Join Conecta Caribbean and unlock the tools, training, and regional network your ESO needs to strengthen its impact, expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and shape the future of innovation across the region.
Phase 1: Selecting Conecta Africa ESOs
We are looking for 25 pioneering ESOs who share our purpose in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Nigeria
January-April 2025
Phase 2: Conecta Africa Summit
A Retreat for ESO Leaders to connect, learn and collaborate, followed by an ecosystem-wide event with public and private actors.
May 27th-30th 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya
Phase 3: Conecta Academy
Receive capacity building to enhance your organizational capacity, efficiency, and sustainability and get ready to launch the incubation program.
June 2025 – September 2025
Phase 4: Incubation Program
October 2025 – February 2026
Phase 5: Celebration event and Impact Reporting for Y1
February – April 2026
This program is an opportunity for leaders of Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) in the Caribbean. By joining the program, you will become part of a community of organizations working in collaboration to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
By joining Conecta Caribbean, your organization will benefit from:
Training and capacity building in inclusive entrepreneurship and other key topics through Conecta Academy.
Access to tools and resources to design and implement scalable entrepreneurship support programs with real impact in your local community.
Be part of a community of transformative organizations collaborating to strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Have the opportunity to pitch for funding to support early-stage entrepreneurs in their communities.
Applications are open for Year 1 of Conecta Caribbean, although your involvement in the community can extend beyond this. Through community advocacy and collaboration, Conecta Caribbean aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating last change in the region.
Our mission is to create a positive social impact by generating new jobs and income. To achieve this goal, we are committed to ensuring that the business ideas of entrepreneurs from any background, nationality, and social class can start and grow sustainably. With excellent results, we have honed our skills and now dedicate ourselves to passing on this knowledge to other organizations in various countries.
Contact us to learn more about Conecta Caribbean
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.
