COSME launches online incubator- CaribConnect.net in Bonaire

TORTOLA, BVI, 17 May, 2018 – COSME, a European Union funded programme, has launched the online incubator CaribConnect in three of the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories OCTs) Curacao, Aruba and Cayman.  CaribConnect has 499 registered businesses and 70 mentors in its Caribbean database.

On 22, May, CaribConnect will launch in Bonaire.  CaribConnect.net is an online community built by the software company Bidx, who has helped grow 1000 SMEs, creating jobs for more than 7500 people, matching over $20 million to 130 businesses around the world.

CaribConnect.net, is simple to use and is currently free to anyone conducting or wishing to conduct business in the Caribbean. There are three profiles for registration in CaribConnect.net, Entrepreneurs, Mentors and Investors. Leslie Abell, part of the original development team from the Netherlands will be present in Bonaire to launch the portal to a network of administrators as well as to the business community. Once registered, CaribConnect offers entrepreneurs and business owners online tools such as templates for business plans and financial plans and educational opportunities.

The Caribbean is full of talented and successful entrepreneurs however the geography of the Caribbean islands often present challenges in meeting and connecting with one another.  CaribConnect.net and its online capabilities dissolves this challenge.

“Access to resources and expertise provides entrepreneurs with needed skills and knowledge for business operations. Incubators are a way to accelerate growth. However, in the small Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) physical connections are not always possible. CaribConnect is a way to access resources such as mentors and investors that exist outside of Bonaire.” said Hans Verschoor, COSME Key Expert on Business Incubation.

CaribConnect.net was designed to empower and to connect entrepreneurs and business owners through information sharing and business matching of mentors and investors. Critical to its success is the promotion and registration of this online incubator. Business persons who are interested in accessing resources such as mentorship, suppliers and or investors and growing beyond the borders of Bonaire are encouraged to register to attend the CaribConnect event at the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce. To register click HERE.

The COSME programme specialises in the development of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the 12 Overseas Countries and Territories, and was launched on April 1, 2014 on Tortola, BVI. The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to the sustainable economic diversification and prosperity of Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories by improving the competitiveness of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the participating Territories.