Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025

A Message and Announcement from the Caribbean Center for Organizational Excellence (CCOE)

November 17–23, 2025

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a powerful annual reminder that innovation is not random; it is cultivated, and when a nation commits to cultivating the creativity, ambition, and resilience of its young people, it activates one of the strongest engines of economic and social transformation.

As the world observes Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, the Caribbean Center for Organizational Excellence (CCOE) proudly joins this global movement and wish entrepreneurs around the globe an amazingly fabulous week. For us, entrepreneurship is more than an economic driver; it is a strategic pillar of national resilience, competitiveness, and long-term development. It is the point at which human potential meets structured opportunity to create sustainable impact.

Across our region, young people stand at the centre of this transformative force. Their ideas, ingenuity, and determination represent an untapped source of growth capable of reshaping industries and expanding our economic horizons. Potential alone, however, is not enough. It must be supported by systems, strengthened by institutions, and guided by excellence.

A Milestone of Regional Significance: The Launch of the ABYBT

This year holds special significance for us at the CCOE. After 18 months of intentional work, designing governance frameworks, crafting development pathways, building partnerships, and aligning developmental priorities, Global Entrepreneurship Week will culminate in a landmark achievement:

...the official launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust (ABYBT) on November 23, 2025.

The ABYBT is a flagship initiative supported, nurtured and driven by the CCOE in alignment with our mandate to strengthen organizational capability and accelerate economic empowerment across the region. This Trust stands as:

• a structured platform for youth innovation,

• a catalyst for entrepreneurial capacity building,

• a bridge between ideas and opportunities, and

• an investment in the next generation of business leaders.

The ABYBT reflects exactly what the CCOE advocates for across the Caribbean: institutions built on clarity, accountability, excellence, and results.

Entrepreneurship as a Foundation for Nation Building

At the heart of our work lies a principle we champion consistently:

"Strong people build strong organizations, and strong organizations build strong nations".

Entrepreneurship is the point where all three intersect.

When young people are equipped to start and grow competitive businesses, the effects cascade across society:

• Families experience upward mobility.

• Communities benefit from job creation and improved livelihoods.

• Industries diversify and become more competitive.

• Nations gain resilience, innovation, and economic expansion.

This is why we at the CCOE remain committed to strengthening systems that equip businesses to succeed, mindful that entrepreneurship is not merely an economic activity; it is a nation-building strategy.

The ABYBT: A Model of Excellence in Youth Development

The Trust’s design reflects a gold-standard approach to youth entrepreneurship development, including:

• A comprehensive 12-module Entrepreneurship Training Program

• Innovation and ideation labs

• Business model development and incubation

• Mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals

• A dynamic Pitch Masterclass & Showcase

• Opportunities for seed funding, market access, and exposure

The Caribbean is rich with talent and potential. What we build around that potential determines our collective future.

Conclusion

This Global Entrepreneurship Week, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the systems, institutions, and leadership needed to drive sustainable development across our region.

The launch of the ABYBT represents a defining step in that journey. One that aligns perfectly with the CCOE’s mission of advancing organizational excellence and unlocking economic opportunity for all.

On November 23rd, we will not simply launch a program. We will launch a new pathway to empowerment....a new ecosystem of possibility....a new generation of entrepreneurs ready to lead.

Happy Global Entrepreneurship Week from the Caribbean Center for Organizational Excellence.

Excellence builds nations; entrepreneurship plays a vital role in lighting the way.

~Jerry DaC Blenman | Executive Director | Caribbean Center for Organizational Excellence