The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management are happy to announce the launch of the third edition of MicroPitch – now bigger than ever! MicroPitch - CARICOM Edition 2021 is a combination of online entrepreneurship trainings and a business plan competition. It is the perfect opportunity for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from Caribbean countries to boost their business. The programme will take place in November and December 2021 in a virtual format, with zero costs or fees for participants.

Information and registration at: https://en.micropitchcaribbean.com

The first edition of MicroPitch was held in 2019 in Santo Domingo and four entrepreneurs from a group of 15 finalists won funding for their projects. The second edition of MicroPitch was organized in June 2021 with a focus on innovative solutions implemented by entrepreneurs to adapt their businesses to the COVID-19 crisis. Three winners were selected out of 76 competitors from Dominican Republic. Competition winners received seed capital, training and mentoring in business development, digitalisation and innovation.

MicroPitch - CARICOM Edition 2021 gives Caribbean entrepreneurs and MSMEs the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level by providing a platform to show case (“pitch”) their business plans, and present innovative solutions they implemented in their companies. MicroPitch offers learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, such as practicing presentation skills in front of an international jury, how to access seed funding, and building business networks, with the goal of positively impacting employment and financial inclusion in the Caribbean region.

The business plan competition will be accompanied by a free virtual entrepreneurship training series open to the public, and specifically targeting Caribbean entrepreneurs. The trainings will cover relevant topics such as digitalisation, e-commerce, green and sustainable business practices, and business management and financial planning, to equip entrepreneurs with skills and tools to successfully boost their business.

The business plan competition and award ceremony of the MicroPitch will take place in December 2021 under the motto “Innovate yourself: Make the best of your business!” Winners will receive attractive prizes in several categories such as Best Overall Entrepreneur, Best Female Entrepreneur, Winner of the Public Vote and the Social Media Award. To ensure that the finalists are well prepared for their Pitch, they will receive training by experienced entrepreneurs before the competition finals.

MicroPitch - CARICOM Edition 2021 is organised by the European Investment Bank and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, with sponsorship by the European Union, United Nations Development Programme, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center and Fygaro: e-commerce business generator. Partnering on the initiative are the Caribbean Development Bank, The Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility, the Caribbean Microfinance Alliance, Development Finance Corporation Belize, Grenada Development Bank, Saint Lucia Development Bank, Dominica Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, LASCO Financial Services Jamaica, Société Financière Haïtienne de Développement S.A. and Action pour la Coopération avec la Micro Entreprise SA Haiti.

Let’s celebrate Caribbean Entrepreneurship!

More information and registration:

https://en.micropitchcaribbean.com