Ecosystem Connect: The Roadshow Strengthens Collaboration Across The Bahama’s Entrepreneurial & InnovationEcosystem
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
On June 11, 2026, UB IGNITE, in partnership with IDB Lab, successfully hosted Ecosystem Connect: The Roadshow at University of The Bahamas North, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs), government agencies, financial institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders committed to advancing entrepreneurship and innovation in The Bahamas.
The event welcomed representatives from organisations including the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), members of the financial sector, government agencies, and the wider business community. The gathering served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Dr. Dinipre “Dee” Allen, Assistant Vice President & Assistant Provost of Innovation at the University of The Bahamas, who brought the official welcome. Ms. Shirley Gayle, Country Representative of the IDB Group, emphasised the importance of collaboration and ecosystem building in creating opportunities for sustainable growth and the IDB's commitment to this work. Ms. Denise Barnes, Vice President of UB North, welcomed attendees to UB North and introduced Dr. Robert Blaine III, President of the University of The Bahamas, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development throughout the country.
Throughout the day, participants benefited from presentations led by regional and international experts. Wel'Andra Francis-Rolle of IDB Lab Bahamas provided an overview of IDB Lab's ecosystem development initiatives and highlighted the organization's commitment to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship across the Caribbean and Latin America. Damian McIntyre, Founder and CEO of DM Consultancy, delivered a presentation on Understanding Nascent & Emerging Ecosystems: Where The Bahamas Fits in the Caribbean, based on a study he completed with Carib Equity, offering valuable insights into regional ecosystem development, investment readiness, and opportunities for The Bahamas to strengthen its position within the Caribbean entrepreneurial landscape.
Maria Vallejo Martelo of IDB Development Venture Finance facilitated a session on Building for Impact: Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Theory of Change & Results Frameworks, providing practical tools for measuring and strengthening entrepreneurial support initiatives. Julian Martinez, CEO of Suricata Labs, shared lessons from his company's growth journey during his presentation on MSME Growth & Digital Transformation and demonstrated how artificial intelligence can help Ecosystem Support Organisations improve efficiency, streamline program delivery, and better support entrepreneurs.
A key highlight of the event was a presentation by Keturah Babb-Higgs, Executive Director of UB IGNITE, who shared updates on the organisation’s work and announced the development of a new national ecosystem platform. Scheduled to launch later this year, the platform will serve as a central hub connecting entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and Ecosystem Support Organisations across The Bahamas, making it easier for individuals to access resources, opportunities, and support services throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The event concluded with a robust roundtable discussion, with Derek Newbold, GBPA, Kiara Jones, Keys Bahamas, D’Sean Smith, Spartan Construction, Ralph Hepburn, President of The GB Chamber and Travis Miller Arrowlynk, focused on what Grand Bahama needs to scale its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants discussed challenges and opportunities related to access to capital, talent development, market access, and ecosystem infrastructure. One message resonated throughout the day: the future of entrepreneurship in The Bahamas depends on collaboration. Stakeholders committed to breaking down silos, strengthening partnerships, and working together to create a more connected and supportive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs and drives economic growth across the nation.
“No single organisation can build an ecosystem alone. By working together, sharing knowledge, and aligning our efforts, we can create greater opportunities for entrepreneurs and help build a stronger, more innovative Bahamas.”
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