The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has joined forces with RevUP Caribbean to introduce the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network, an innovative digital platform aimed at delivering ongoing assistance to entrepreneurs across the Caribbean. A CDB release said that the initiative is supported by a recent USD 250,000 technical assistance grant from the bank and signifies a significant step forward in fostering regional entrepreneurial development.
This development was announced at a recent RevUP Caribbean event, where Lisa Harding, CDB’s Division Chief for Private Sector, underscored the Bank’s dedication to fostering growth driven by innovation.
“Our future competitiveness depends on how well we harness new technologies, nurture creative ideas, and finance enterprises that can redefine our economies,” noted Harding. “Institutions like CDB play a catalytic role, using development finance to de-risk investment, crowd in private capital, and build practical systems that support entrepreneurs at every stage.”
CDB also explained that the newly established RevUP Community is a multi-tiered membership platform designed to assist Caribbean entrepreneurs by providing tailored resources, mentorship opportunities, investor connections, and regional cooperation. It reportedly features four levels of participation, granting access to a verified digital network, business tools, and events led by experts, including business coaching, governance sessions, pitch training, investor access via FirstAngels Caribbean, and speaking opportunities for more advanced entrepreneurs. The platform operates on Zoho and aims to link founders with mentors, board members, investors, and service providers across the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.
“For four years, we’ve been a virtual incubator. Starting tonight, we become something more: a lifelong ecosystem,” stated Sandra Glasgow, Managing Director of RevUP Caribbean.
“This dynamic, digital community will be your permanent access point to the resources you need to scale. It is designed by you, inspired by your journey, and dedicated to your future growth,” she told the entrepreneurs participating in the program.
Ms. Harding also emphasized the vital role of strategic partners in fostering business expansion.
“Development banks, accelerators, investors and policymakers, each have a role to play. But when we work together, align our goals, and pool our strengths, we create real momentum for change. CDB remains deeply committed to the mission of homegrown entrepreneurs not just as a financier, but as a partner, supporting our entrepreneurs to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”
Building on the success of RevUP’s incubator program—which, as per the release, has supported 145 founders, contributed over USD 1 million in additional revenue, and created 131 new jobs with women-led enterprises—CDB is now funding Phase II of the initiative. According to Harding, the Bank is shifting its focus toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and preparing businesses for investment as the pillars of sustainable growth. By fostering innovation at various stages of business development, CDB says it aims to keep the Caribbean competitive, adaptable, and resilient in a rapidly evolving global market.
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