Local entrepreneurs can now be matched with Mentors, Investors and Financing Institutions following the launch of an online incubator programme, CaribConnect.net.

CaribConnect.net is an online community built by the software company Bidx, who has helped grow 1,000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), created jobs for more than 7,500 people, and has matched over $20 million to 130 businesses around the world.

The programme was launched on June 18 through a partnership between the Premier’s Office and the Caribbean Overseas Small and Medium Enterprises (COSME), the European Union’s funded programme for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

Junior Minister for Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Marlon Penn said, “This is a good moment for the Small and Medium Enterprise sector as this collaboration with Caribconnect.net and COSME helps to develop and support small businesses in the Territory.”

Honourable Penn added that in the past month his team has been working on a series of initiatives to support the business sector in the Virgin Islands.

“We have started the process of creating our very own interactive incubation system at the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs,” he said. Honourable Penn added, “We are well on our way to make that incubation a reality and we look forward to being able to utilise CaribConnect.net with this set-up.”

The online business incubator is expected to enable further growth of businesses and aid in the expansion into overseas markets.

Honourable Penn said he looks forward to seeing persons utilise this platform to make it more organic and collaborate as much as they can to grow the business sector.

The platform is currently free to anyone conducting or wishing to conduct business in the Caribbean.        

Attached:

1. Junior Minister for Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Marlon Penn; Developer of CaribConnect and COSME Consultant, Leslie Abell and COSME Team Leader, Huib Poot featured at the launch of the online business incubator, CaribConnect.net. (Photo credit: Bria Smith/GIS)
2. Junior Minister for Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Marlon Penn speaking with local businesses during the launch of the online business incubator, CaribConnect.net. (Photo credit: Bria Smith/GIS)
3. Audio recording of opening remarks by Junior Minister for Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Marlon Penn during the launch of the online business incubator, CaribConnect.net.