Entrepreneurs from the 12 Overseas Territories and Countries (OCTs) in the Caribbean are encouraged to sign up for the Caribbean Business Challenge scheduled for Tortola, BVI in December, 2017.
Local business developments organisations are expected to select the top businesses run by entrepreneurs for the opportunity to compete for thousands in cash and prizes. Agatha Aspin, the Montserrat COSME representative, said local entrepreneurs are encouraged to register their interest. A mini-pitch competition will be held to select the best candidate.
COSME, an EU funded programme under the 10th EDF has announced it will pay the way for the top entrepreneurs from each OCT to attend and participate in the pitch competition.
The competition is part of a two-day event organised in collaboration with Forge, which hosts the annual pitch event for the British Virgin Islands.
COSME will cover the airfare, accommodations and per diem for each participant for December 6 – 10, 2017. They will also be sponsoring a US$ 5000 first place prize and US$ 2000 for second place.
Participants will also be able to participate in the Forge Entrepreneurial Forum.
The Forge Entrepreneurial Forum and Caribbean Business Challenge is a two-day pitch competition and one-day conference held in Tortola, BVI.  Renowned ecosystem builders from around the world will be coming to Tortola to share their experiences and ideas to help empower event attendees with the tools they need to establish and grow their own local ecosystems, while inspiring collaboration.
Up to 18 of the best entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean are being selected to come to the BVI to represent their respective countries and compete for the title of top competitor in the Caribbean Business Challenge. The winner will receive $10,000 in cash prize plus an all expense paid trip to Fort Collins, Colorado to participate in a Strat-Op and meet with top management from OtterBox.
Pitch Day will be an interactive one and will feature world renowned keynote presentations, panels and workshops focused on collaboration and innovation. Sessions will include opportunities to brainstorm ideas and create solutions to real problems with fellow attendees. The conference day will also conclude with an exciting performance of business pitches from the final top three top companies in the regional business pitch competition Caribbean Business Challenge, who will be battling it out for over $17,000 in cash and prizes. The day will end with a celebratory networking reception.
Eligible countries including the OCTS: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Saba, St. Eustatius, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Barthelemy, St. Maarten, Jamaica, and St. Vincent & Grenadines.
