Kinesis Free Accelerator Programme Launched in Barbados by Agora Partnerships and USAID for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Kinesis Free Accelerator programme has been launched in Barbados, announced through a recent interactive event.

The programme, operated by Agora Partnerships and funded by USAID, aims to boost the growth and sustainability of startups with social and environmental impact in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The accelerator programme operates in Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Barbados, and Uruguay, in collaboration with local partners and direct implementation by Agora Partnerships in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panamá, and Colombia.

This innovative programme aims to nurture startups that aspire to achieve financial success while making a positive social and environmental impact throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Agora’s implementing partner in Barbados is the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL).

Kinesis is part of the broader America’s Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) initiative, which focuses on enhancing economic integration, creating well-paying jobs, and fostering competitiveness and innovation in the region. As the only English-speaking Caribbean nation involved, Barbados is set to play a vital role in this emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Juliana Villalba, Chief of Scalability and Impact at Changelab and moderator of the event explained that: “Kinesis is more than just an acceleration programme; it’s a movement aimed at driving significant change within the entrepreneurial and social ecosystems of the region.”

“We are excited to collaborate with the talented entrepreneurs in Barbados and empower them to build a more equitable and sustainable future.”

The Kinesis programme will provide participating startups with a comprehensive 10-week acceleration experience, including growth and expansion opportunities, personalised coaching, access to commercial ventures, and support for enhancing their social and environmental impact.

The programme is open to companies based in Barbados or other APEP countries, specifically those with annual sales between $55,000 and $2 million and business models that prioritise social and environmental objectives.

Dr. Marcia Brandon, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development at COESL noted that the COESL team is thrilled to be a part of bringing the Kinesis programme to Barbados. “This partnership offers a unique opportunity for our local impact entrepreneurs to connect with a wider network, access crucial resources, and sustainably scale their businesses.”