ACB Caribbean and Digicel have joined as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop, held in Barbuda from June 22 to 25, in a move that signals growing private sector investment in youth enterprise development across the Caribbean's smaller island communities.
barbudanGO, which leads a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee that includes the Barbuda Council and the Ministry of Education, organised the four-day intensive programme. The workshop 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. Sponsorship contributions from ACB Caribbean and Digicel covered workshop materials, student workbooks, and awards for participating teams.
Designed for young people aged 13 to 16, the programme 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.
"We believe that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful contributions a financial institution can make to its community," said Joy N. Henry-Goodwin, Marketing Consultant at ACB Caribbean. "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."
Wenise Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel's North West Indies Region, echoed that sentiment. "At Digicel, we believe technology, opportunity and meaningful connections go hand in hand. By helping students stay connected to knowledge, mentorship, and new opportunities, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs."
Brandon Walker, Director of Education at barbudanGO, described the corporate backing as significant. "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."
The workshop was hosted at the Sir McChesney George Secondary School, with Principal Rexford Harry providing the space. Business Teacher Amelia Desouza led the programme on the ground across all four days, supported by Programme Assistant Starr George. A number of resident entrepreneurs gave their time as guest speakers and mentors, including 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, a 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, held on June 25, saw student teams present their business concepts to a judging panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Students pitched a range of ventures developed during the workshop, including a Beauty and Styles Salon, a Trash to Treasure recycling plant, BLF — Barbuda Local Farm, and Be Gone Rodent Busters.
Prizes were awarded across three categories. Alexandria Desouza won the Best Individual Pitcher award, taking home a Galaxy tablet sponsored by Digicel. The Best Group Pitch went to Team Browning, owners of the Trash to Treasure recycling plant concept, who earned a dining experience at Uncle Roddy's contributed by Manager Allyson Trunzer. Khadalia Joseph claimed the Most Promising Entrepreneur award, receiving 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 is scheduled for July 4, 2026, showcasing the enterprise and ambition of the island's young people.
For further information about the New Gen Innovators Workshop or sponsorship opportunities, contact barbudanGO at 773-4604 or at [email protected].
