CATALYST FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
& INNOVATION (CEI) GLOBAL

A regional ecosystem initiative accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across the Caribbean and LATAM. CEI Global expands capital access, strengthens investment readiness, and builds cross-border connectivity for SMEs—the missing middle.

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ACCELERATING SME GROWTH

CEI Global co-designs capital pathways and cross-border programs that enable Caribbean and LATAM SMEs to grow, attract investment, and drive inclusive economic growth.

What is the Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation?

The Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) Global is a regional ecosystem development initiative accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across the Caribbean and LATAM. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the “missing middle,” are too large for micro-financing but too small for institutional capital, creating a persistent funding gap.

CEI Global addresses this challenge by co-designing innovative funding mechanisms including small- and mid-sized angel syndicates, venture capital investments, and blended financing investments. The initiative fosters regional connectivity through trade missions and cross-border partnerships, while equipping founders with investment readiness training, tools, and networks to scale across the region.

Together, these efforts empower SMEs to grow, attract investment, and drive inclusive economic growth in their regions.

Track Record

PROOF OF CONCEPT ACROSS REGIONS

ENGAGEMENT CARIBBIEAN & CANADA

Engaged 82,000+ ecosystem participants across Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad, Toronto, and Vancouver through 25+ partners.

EXPANSION JAMAICA

Launched CEI Jamaica (2025) with JTDA and DBJ, supporting 8 women-led organizations with technology integration.

82K+

ECOSYSTEM

25+

PARTNERS

13

WOMEN -LED

OUTCOMES WOMEN-LED

Trained 13 Jamaican women-led businesses connected with 4,000+ founders and 50+ investors.

NEXT STEPS SCALING UP

Evolving into investment pathways, innovative finance, and cross-regional connectivity.

Background & Rationale

In Latin America & the Caribbean, SMEs represent ~99.5% of all businesses. In the Caribbean, SMEs account for 70–80% of businesses, contribute 60–70% of GDP, and provide ~50% of employment.

  • Capital Access Gaps — limited structured pathways for financing.

  • Investment Readiness— gaps in governance and IP strategy.

  • Connectivity — scarce regionwide SME data for investors.

OUR Two-Phased Approach to Transformation

We are executing a structured timeline to first stabilize the ecosystem's foundation and then scale through diaspora integration.

CURRENT PHASE

PHASE 1: STABILIZATION & GROWTH

Equip homegrown SMEs with capital pathways, skills, and regional connectivity to expand sustainably.

  • Innovative funding (blended capital, grants, small-ticket investments).

  • Investment readiness training & governance structuring.

  • Regional data reports to map investment appetite.

FUTURE PHASE

PHASE 2: Diaspora Activation

Mobilize the Caribbean and Latin American diaspora as investors, co-owners, and successors to reverse brain-drain.

  • Activate diaspora capital for succession planning.

  • Enable co-ownership models and acquisitions.

  • Reinvestment engines connecting global wealth to local scale.

Regional Focus (“The Whys”)

  • BARBADOS | 2026

    HEALTHCARE

    Advancing digital health, biotech, and wellness innovation to improve public health outcomes.

  • COLOMBIA | 2027

    TECHNOLOGY

    Scaling Afro-Colombian tech ventures via incubation and investor partnerships in Cali.

  • GUYANA | 2028

    ENERGY

    Supporting startups and SMEs linked to the emerging oil and energy sector.

  • Haiti | 2029

    Infrastructure

    Building smart, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure systems that foster mobility.