Innovating Around Finance: Propelling Entrepreneurship in the Eastern Caribbean

After decades of economic underperformance and high unemployment, the World Bank wanted to launch a program aimed at improving access to finance for women and youth entrepreneurs in the Eastern Caribbean. Looking to understand the nexus between the area’s entrepreneurs, what was regulatorily possible, the amount of capital this small market could absorb, and what would engage, and to excite potential partners in the initiative, it turned to a WhiteLabel partner. On the ground, WhiteLabel met with women and youth entrepreneurs, executives from banks, Central Bank governors and finance ministers, and a cadre of foundations and impact investors coming up with a list of pain points, which informed the structuring of an initiative to address, and alleviate, the issues. They then worked with the Bank on implementation: structuring the initiative, including a financial facility and educational program aimed at informing, and elevating the entrepreneurs; developing a primer on best practices related to the chosen financial structure; creating materials for outreach, and leading a roadshow around the project. The result: an initiative launched with participation from several leading foundations, including a $50 million financial facility and an operational support program for entrepreneurs.