OECS Global Startup Hub - Applications Now Open for February 2024 Cohort!

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in partnership with Draper University and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is relaunching the OECS Global Startup Hub for a second cohort.

Technology and technology-enabled MSMEs in the OECS are invited to apply and up to 150 successful candidates will be accepted to participate in the free, two-week Virtual Accelerator Program. Twenty-two participants from this program will also get the opportunity to move onto a second immersion experience in renowned Silicon Valley in the Draper University Hero Training Program.

As the entrepreneurial landscape in the OECS continues to evolve, the OECS Commission recognises the critical role of fostering innovation, building capacity, and driving economic growth. Through this collaboration and support of other key private sector partners, the program is set to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the OECS Member States and unlock the full potential of technology-based startups. 

The program unfolds in two transformative phases designed to equip startups with the necessary tools for success. In the first phase, up to 150 startups will be selected to participate in an intensive Virtual Accelerator Program, covering key areas such as Technology of the Future, Fundamentals of Growth and Sales, Fundraising, Leadership and Team Building and Business Pitches. The program will continue with a second phase from June 24 to July 26, 2024, where up to 22 of the high growth potential startups will participate in Draper University's five-week Hero Training Program, providing participants the opportunity to delve into an unparalleled experience, engaging with industry titans, visiting renowned tech companies and immersing in the vibrant innovation ecosystem of Silicon Valley.  

See what OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules and Lisa Harding, Head (Ag.), Private Sector Development at the Caribbean Development Bank said about the program here. This cohort of the program will be supported by JetBlue Ventures, Caribbean Development Fund, and St. Lucia Electricity Services.

Eligibility requirements: 

• Startups from all OECS Member States are eligible to apply: 
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Montserrat
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis 
  • Saint Lucia 
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
• Startups must have high growth potential, with scalable ideas, and operate in the technology industry or in other industries that are interested in introducing technology to scale their business operations. 
• Entrepreneurs with tech-based and tech-enabled startups less than 5 years in operation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Deadline for applications: Monday, January 8, 2024 (extended to January 31, 2024)

For more information and to apply for the Virtual Accelerator Program, visit: https://forms.gle/Bmyvya8QKFkgZi4s6 

For more information and to apply for the Draper University Hero Training Program: https://forms.gle/f3n4F57BGNx5vGSPA

(Entrepreneurs must participate in the Virtual Accelerator Program to qualify for the Hero Training Program.)