The Catalyst for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) GLOBAL
The Catalyst for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) Global is a catalyst for accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across Canada, Africa, the Caribbean and LATAM. CEI Global expands capital access, strengthens investment readiness, and builds cross-border connectivity for SMEs—the missing middle
A TRILATERAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR
CEI Global is designed to support the creation of a trilateral economic corridor connecting Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa, enabling small and medium enterprises to access new markets, attract investment, and scale internationally.
Solving for the "Missing Middle"
"These enterprises are too large for micro-financing yet not structured for institutional capital, resulting in persistent financing and market access gaps across emerging regions."
The initiative strengthens regional and cross-regional connectivity through structured trade missions, cross-border partnerships, and investor engagement.
Background and Rationale
Since 2021, CEI Global has reached more than 82,000 participants across global conferences and ecosystem platforms, working in collaboration with over 25 ecosystem and institutional partners to support cross-border trade, investment readiness, and market access for innovation-driven SMEs.
0
Global Conference & Ecosystem Participants Reached
0
Ecosystem & Institutional Partners
0
Markets Engaged
0%
Approx. share of businesses in Caribbean & LATAM that are SMEs
0–80%
Typical contribution range of SMEs to regional GDP
PROGRAM PILLARS
The CEI Framework is built on three strategic anchors designed to address structural gaps and drive inclusive growth.
Skills Development
Empowers SMEs through hands-on training in business strategy, market validation, investment readiness, and digital transformation. Builds on Nobellum’s Innovator Program and CEI Jamaica pilot.
Capital
Assists founders in accessing funding via deal-readiness coaching, pitch sessions, and investor matchmaking. Connects SMEs with angel investors, VCs, and development funds.
Regional Connectivity
Facilitates cross-border collaboration using trade missions, accelerator exchanges, and policy dialogues. Establishes a trilateral trade and knowledge corridor between the Caribbean, LATAM, and Canada.
CEI Global Regions
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CEI Canada
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CEI Caribbean
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CEI Africa
Track Record
Strategic Execution
Operating across major innovation hubs including Jamaica, Toronto, and Vancouver, CEI Global leverages strategic alliances with global platforms like Collision and Elevate to provide founders with direct exposure to international policy leaders.
In partnership with the Jamaica Technology Digital Alliance (JTDA) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), our outbound missions prioritize operational readiness and scaling into new investment pathways for high-growth SMEs.
25+
82,000
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
AUDIENCE ENGAGED
13
4,000+
INVESTORS CONNECTED
MARKETS ACTIVE
FOUNDERS CONNECTED
WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES
6
50+
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.
COMING SOON
PHASE 2: Diaspora Activation
Mobilize the Caribbean, African 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.
JOIN OUR NEXT TRADE MISSION
Expand your business horizons. Our trade missions provide direct access to international markets, high-level government officials, and potential investors. Experience curated B2B matchmaking and exclusive networking events.
FEATURED DESTINATION