Corporate Sponsors Boost Entrepreneurship Training for Barbuda Students

Partnership signals growing private sector commitment to youth enterprise development in the Caribbean’s smaller island communities.

barbudanGO, lead of a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee that includes the Barbuda Council and the Ministry of Education, is pleased to announce that ACB Caribbean and Digicel came on board as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop, held in Barbuda from 22nd to 25th June 2026. The two organisations joined a group of supporters backing the programme, which was funded by the European Union with support from the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), as part of a wider regional initiative to advance sustainable development and entrepreneurship across the Eastern Caribbean.

The four-day intensive programme, designed for young people aged 13 to 16 and developed under the barbudanGO initiative, brought secondary school students together in teams to identify real community problems, develop business solutions, conduct market research, build a business plan, and deliver a live five-minute pitch to a panel of resident entrepreneurs on the final day. The sponsorship contributions from ACB Caribbean and Digicel supported workshop materials, student workbooks, and awards for participating teams, reflecting both organisations’ commitment to building financial literacy, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurial capability among the next generation of Barbudan business leaders.

“We believe that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful contributions a financial institution can make to its community. The New Gen Innovators Workshop embodies the spirit of enterprise and ambition that ACB Caribbean has always championed, and we are proud to play a part in bringing this experience to the young people of Barbuda.”

— Joy N. Henry-Goodwin, Marketing Consultant, ACB Caribbean

“At Digicel, we believe technology, opportunity and meaningful connections go hand in hand. Supporting the New Gen Innovators Workshop is an investment in the young people of Barbuda and in the future of enterprise across our region. By helping students stay connected to knowledge, mentorship, and new opportunities, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. We are proud to play a part in this journey, creating real connections that inspire growth, innovation and lasting success.”

— Wenise Davis, Chief Executive Officer, North West Indies Region, Digicel

“The decision by ACB Caribbean and Digicel to come on board as part-sponsors is a powerful statement of confidence in Barbuda’s young people and in the value of locally-led economic development. Partnerships like these are essential to sustaining programmes that create real, lasting change in small island communities.”

— Brandon Walker, Director of Education at barbudanGO

Hosted at the Sir McChesney George Secondary School, the workshop was made possible by Principal Rexford Harry, who provided the space, and was led on the ground by Business Teacher Amelia Desouza across the four days, with Programme Assistant Starr George supporting students throughout. Each session was enriched by resident entrepreneurs who gave their time as guest speakers and mentors: Relton Lynch of Res+ Electrical, Clarvice Richards of CCCC Solution concrete plant, Ezekiel Francois, President of the National Youth Parliament Association, Frederique Bonfils of Seabridge Ferries, and Jeron Timmons, Luxury Real Estate Professional from Barbuda Ocean Club. Malenee Greene of ACB Caribbean also hosted an interactive session on financing a business.

The Pitch Challenge on 25th June 2026 saw student teams present their business concepts to a judging panel of these entrepreneurs and business leaders for the chance to be named Pitch Champions. Across the interactive sessions, students built their own businesses from the ground up, developing direct solutions to real needs in Barbuda. The concepts they pitched included Beauty and Styles Salon, Trash to Treasure recycling plant, BLF — Barbuda Local Farm, and Be Gone Rodent Busters.

Prizes were awarded across three categories at the close of the Pitch Challenge. The Best Individual Pitcher award, which carried a Galaxy tablet sponsored by Digicel, was won by Alexandria Desouza. The Best Group Pitch was won by Team Browning, owners of the Trash to Treasure recycling plant, who earned a dining experience with Kelcina George at Uncle Roddy’s, contributed by Manager Allyson Trunzer. The Most Promising Entrepreneur award was won by Khadalia Joseph, who received an ACB Youth Bank Account opened with EC$200, sponsored by ACB Caribbean.

To culminate the regional initiative on Barbuda, a Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show will be held on 4th July 2026, showcasing the enterprise and ambition of the island’s young people.

For further information about the New Gen Innovators Workshop or sponsorship opportunities, please contact barbudanGO at 773-4604 or by email at [email protected].

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