— Aspiring entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda are being invited to compete for an opportunity to pitch investment-ready business ideas directly to Commonwealth investors during the Commonwealth Business Forum in November.
The “Power Pitch” initiative will form part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, or CHOGM 2026, and is intended to connect promising local business ventures with investors seeking viable opportunities.
Commonwealth Business Forum media and communications lead Carlon Knight said selected entrepreneurs will be given five minutes to present their proposals to a panel of investors.
Knight compared the format to the television programme “Shark Tank,” where entrepreneurs must explain their ideas, answer questions about their business models and persuade investors to provide financing.
He said the initiative was developed in response to one of the main challenges facing small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda — access to capital.
“We are bringing capital to the entrepreneurs, and we are asking our local entrepreneurs to get themselves ready for this event because it could be a life-changing opportunity for somebody,” Knight said.
Applicants must submit a detailed business plan, financial projections and forecasts, an investment pitch deck and relevant supporting documents by Sept. 25.
Knight said the programme is aimed primarily at aspiring entrepreneurs seeking venture capital or angel investment to establish new businesses. Existing business owners will still be able to register as delegates and use the three-day forum for networking and other investment opportunities.
About five proposals from Antigua and Barbuda are expected to be shortlisted, although Knight said more could be selected if organisers receive enough strong submissions and investors express interest in additional opportunities.
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority, the local Chamber of Commerce and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council will assess the applications.
Proposals will be evaluated based on commercial viability, financial sustainability, scalability, growth potential, market opportunity, development impact and overall investment readiness.
Selected entrepreneurs will receive training ahead of the November forum to improve their business plans, financial projections and presentations.
Knight encouraged entrepreneurs to apply even if their submissions are not fully polished, saying organisers will work with shortlisted participants to prepare them to meet serious investors.
Entrepreneurs from other Eastern Caribbean Currency Union member countries will also participate through a separate regional pool.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Local Entrepreneurs Invited to Pitch Business Ideas to Commonwealth Investors.