The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it has partnered with RevUP Caribbean to launch the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network, regarded as a dynamic digital ecosystem designed to provide lifelong support to Caribbean entrepreneurs.
The region’s premier financial institution said that backed by a recent US$250,000 technical assistance grant from CDB, this initiative marks a new chapter in regional entrepreneurship.
The CDB said that the newly launched RevUP Community is a comprehensive, tiered membership platform designed to support Caribbean entrepreneurs through curated resources, mentorship, investor access, and regional collaboration.
It offers four levels of engagement providing access to a vetted digital network, business resources, and expert-led events, business coaching, governance sessions, pitch coaching, investor access via FirstAngels Caribbean and speaker opportunities for advanced entrepreneurs.
The platform is powered by Zoho and designed to connect founders with mentors, board members, investors, and service providers across the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.
“For four years, we’ve been a virtual incubator. Starting tonight, we become something more: a lifelong ecosystem,” said Sandra Glasgow, the managing director of RevUP Caribbean.
“This dynamic, digital community will be your permanent access point to the resources you need to scale. It is designed by you, inspired by your journey, and dedicated to your future growth,” she added.
CDB’s Division Chief, Private Sector, Lisa Harding, highlighted the importance of strategic collaborators to support business growth
“Development banks, accelerators, investors and policymakers, each have a role to play. But when we work together, align our goals, and pool our strengths, we create real momentum for change. CDB remains deeply committed to the mission of homegrown entrepreneurs not just as a financier, but as a partner, supporting our entrepreneurs to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”
The RevUP Community builds on the success of RevUP’s incubator programme, which has supported 145 founders, generated over USD 1 million in additional revenue, and created 131 new jobs with women-led businesses leading the way.
CDB is financing Phase II. According to CDB’s Division Chief, the bank is repositioning to focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment-readiness as the foundation for long-term growth.
By supporting innovation at multiple stages of business growth, CDB said it is ensuring that the Caribbean remains competitive, adaptive, and resilient in a rapidly changing global economy. (CMC)
