SBDC Launches Blue Economy Accelerator Program

Advertisement

NASSAU , BAHAMAS The Blue Economy Accelerator Program was officially unveiled by SBDC Bahamas Blue Economy Program Coordinator Garth Jackson Jr., who also introduced the entrepreneurs selected for the program’s first cohort.

The launch builds on a five-year, $30 million loan agreement signed between the Davis administration and the Inter-American Development Bank in December 2025. Officials say the investment could help the blue economy contribute as much as 21 percent of the country’s GDP, with more than $13 million allocated to support small and medium-sized businesses.

Marcia Musgrove – Northern Caribbean Program Director, The Nature Conservancy

“Many of our entrepreneurs and businesses have not had consistent access to the training, mentorship, financing and technical support needed to fully unlock the opportunities in this space. So this accelerator was designed to help close that gap.”

She adds the program is also about more than business growth, considering the waters that surround The Bahamas make up 95 percent of the country’s territory.

Marcia Musgrove – Northern Caribbean Program Director, The Nature Conservancy

“This program is not only about entrepreneurship, it is about building a pipeline of reef-positive, investment-ready businesses that will strengthen our economy through providing jobs and income in communities across The Bahamas. They will protect our coral reefs and associated marine ecosystems and increase the resilience of our communities.”

Among those selected for the inaugural cohort is entrepreneur Amar Pearson, who says the program provides a unique opportunity for businesses of all sizes to access critical resources and industry connections.

Amar Pearson – Director, Bahamas Mineral Company

“I think it gives us a direct pipeline to access to resources, access to funding and also partnerships within the industry. I think that the SBDC and all of the other partnerships that have come together to create this program have put together an environment and ecosystem that helps even the smallest business to the biggest business gain something to move forward.”

With a focus on innovation, sustainability and economic growth, officials hope the Blue Economy Accelerator will help create a new generation of investment-ready businesses while protecting the marine resources that remain central to The Bahamas’ future.