2023 initiatives

Caribbean Seed Fund

Undeserved markets need funding, and Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB) is teaming up with US and Caribbean-based investors to launch the first member-managed early-stage seed fund in the region. Caribbean entrepreneurs need access to early-stage investment capital and connectivity to business networks to succeed globally, particularly in the United States.

A member-managed seed fund is different from traditional venture capital models as a group of investors contributes smaller amounts and commits to being actively involved in determining investments, contributing to the success of the startups invested in, creating a community dynamic, a portfolio approach, and success path that are usually not present in traditional VC models. These types of funds are smaller but have a significant impact on creating new investors in regions where venture capital is scarce.

While not an “EAB” fund, we are organizing and introducing all the players to get this initiative off the ground. We are hosting an invitation-only event in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 28-29 to kick off and inform the region about these efforts. Learn more about it here.

EAB Connect - a platform to empower emerging entrepreneurs

Finding and developing a pipeline of talented up-and-coming entrepreneurs and startups can be a challenge outside of major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin, New York, and Boston. Often, accelerators, incubators, and venture funds are established in a region before a pipeline of talent, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship is developed. This "if you build it, they will come" mentality can result in drying up of the pipeline within a few years, leaving these entities scrambling for new startups and deals. This problem is particularly evident in developing nations, where there is often an abundance of entrepreneurial tendencies within the culture.

To address this issue, EAB has partnered with Food For the Poor to create a new software platform and training program that will help develop community-based entrepreneurial ecosystem building. With the help of additional partners, we are developing a mobile-first software platform that will enable those working closest with under-served communities to identify individuals exhibiting traits of successful entrepreneurs, regardless of where they are in their entrepreneurial journey. These individuals will then be connected to resources, education, and relationships that can help them take the next steps in their journey.

This is a multi-year program and a significant undertaking. If you or your organization are interested in helping Entrepreneurs Across Borders with this initiative, please email us at info@eaborders.org and let us know how you would like to participate.

Agri-preneur Development programme

Supporting the capacity-building of Early-Stage Companies that have potentially successful value proposition and that could become scalable startups is critical.  Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB) is partnering with the University of the West Indies Mona Entrepreneurial & Commercialization Centre (MECC) for an Agricultural Program that is aimed at developing the innovation ecosystem.   

The program is designed to empowering entrepreneurs, women and young people to effectively contribute to the agricultural sector.  There are five specific objectives for the Agricultural Project: value added production; agri-preneurship; development and innovation; youth and women in agriculture and export optimization.

The program is supported by a grant from the Government of Jamaica’s BIGEE programme, the five-year project and financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).  The objective of BIGEE grant is to promote sustainable and robust growth among startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica.

Global Impact Network

Envision a close-knit community of accomplished entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to Entrepreneurs Across Borders' mission. They gather at exclusive events to expand their networks and connect with like-minded individuals who share similar backgrounds and interests. This year, we're building this invitation-only network for a select group of entrepreneurs who embody the principle of "giving first," expecting nothing in return. As a collective, we're coming together to address some of the world's most significant challenges. With a shared passion for making a difference, we're using our resources to change the world, one entrepreneur at a time.

If you're interested in being part of this exclusive network, please send us an email at info@eaborders.org and introduce yourself