Nassau, The Bahamas – SBDC Bahamas officially launched the Blue Economy
Accelerator Programme on June 23, introducing the inaugural cohort of twelve
entrepreneurs selected to participate in a first-of-its-kind initiative focused on building
sustainable, ocean-smart businesses across The Bahamas.
Developed in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and supported by the
Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), the programme is designed to help entrepreneurs
transform blue economy opportunities into scalable ventures that promote economic
growth while supporting the protection and sustainable use of the country's marine
resources.
Held under the theme, "The Ocean Advantage: Where Innovation Meets Sustainability,"
the launch event brought together entrepreneurs, development partners, government
representatives, conservation leaders, and members of the business community to
celebrate the beginning of the programme's first cohort.
Over the next several weeks, participants will receive business training, mentorship,
technical support, and access to a network of experts to help strengthen and grow their
enterprises. At the conclusion of the programme, five participants will be eligible to
receive seed funding of up to $10,000 to support the implementation and growth of
their business ventures.
The event also featured a presentation by Edison Sumner highlighting emerging
research and opportunities within The Bahamas' blue economy, as well as a fireside
chat exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and marine
conservation.
"Today, we launched the Blue Economy Accelerator to unlock the potential of the
blue economy by unlocking the potential of MSMEs," said Samantha L. Rolle,
Executive Director of SBDC Bahamas. "Through this accelerator, participants will
access grant funding to expand their businesses and deepen their impact within
the blue economy space," she said. "The Nature Conservancy is very pleased to
partner with the SBDC to launch its Blue Economy Accelerator Program as one
of several initiatives in our 'Impact Funding for BahamaReefs' program
supported by the UN Global Fund for Coral Reefs. BahamaReefs is a long-term,
blended finance program to promote coral reef conservation while bolstering
livelihoods of reef-dependent communities. I congratulate all those who were
selected for the first cohort and we look forward to welcoming more MSME's
who will join the programme over the next 18 months," said Mischa Lockhart,
Impact Funding for BahamaReefs Program Assistant Manager, TNC
Representatives from SBDC Bahamas and The Nature Conservancy underscored the
importance of supporting reef-positive enterprises and empowering entrepreneurs to
develop solutions that contribute to healthy ecosystems and thriving coastal
communities. The programme represents a significant step forward in advancing
innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic development within The Bahamas'
blue economy sector.
About the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme
The Blue Economy Accelerator Programme is delivered through a partnership between
SBDC Bahamas and The Nature Conservancy, with support from the Global Fund for
Coral Reefs, to support entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute to sustainable
economic growth, climate resilience, and marine conservation in The Bahamas.
About SBDC Bahamas
The Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC Bahamas) is
committed to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening small businesses, and driving
sustainable economic growth through access to advisory services, training, and funding
opportunities across The Bahamas.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to
conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. In The Bahamas, TNC works
with government, communities, and private-sector partners to advance sustainable
fisheries, strengthen coastal resilience, protect marine ecosystems, and support nature
based solutions that benefit both people and the environment. Through initiatives such
as the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, TNC is helping to foster a more
sustainable and resilient future for The Bahamas.
Media Contact:
Communications Team
Tel: 1 (242) 557-5600
marketing@sbdcbahamas.com
