Innovation Fund

(IF) Caribbean

Call for Projects

CCSA continues to be committed to accelerating the development of impactful projects that address critical challenges in the Caribbean region. The Innovation Fund (IF) Caribbean is one such mechanism, designed to increase access to funding and technical resources for the Caribbean to transition to the world’s first Climate-Smart Zone.

IF Caribbean invites promising operational and innovative Caribbean-led climate projects and businesses from across the region focused on Ocean Solutions, Food & Agriculture Solutions, and Circularity Solutions to apply for support through this targeted program.

IF Caribbean Main Areas of Focus

IF Caribbean is focused on building a sustainable Caribbean by unlocking the Caribbean’s capacity to execute indigenous solutions in the three areas of greatest growth for the region: the Blue, Green and Red Economies. 

Ocean Solutions (Blue Economy):

Projects leveraging the ocean's role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Initiatives such as sustainable aquaculture, carbon harvesting through mangroves, and other ocean-based solutions.

Food & Agriculture Solutions (Green Economy):

Projects that enhance food security and promote climate-smart agriculture.
Innovations in farming methods that increase land productivity and resilience to climate change.

Circularity Solutions (Red Economy):

Projects that contribute to the circular economy by reducing waste and regenerating natural resources.
Examples include upcycling ocean plastic waste, other waste reduction strategies, low carbon building materials etc.

Cross-Cutting Themes We Consider

Intersectionality and Climate Justice:

Projects or businesses that recognize the intersecting dimensions of inequality and strive for equitable climate action, ensuring marginalized communities and vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes and benefit from climate initiatives. Projects that also address multiple industries e.g. retrofitting a school that is also a hurricane shelter or community center  with renewable energy or an agriculture project that creates livelihood opportunities for the differently abled. 

01

Post-COVID Recovery:

Projects that contribute to the post-pandemic recovery by integrating sustainable and resilient practices, promoting green growth, and addressing the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

02

Alignment with Nationally Determined Contributions:

Projects that align with the climate targets and priorities outlined in the nationally determined contributions of respective countries, fostering collaboration and contributing to the achievement of national climate goals.

03

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles:

Projects that adhere to ESG principles, incorporating environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance practices into their design, implementation, and monitoring.

04

Innovation and Technology:

Projects that leverage innovative technologies, digital solutions, and data-driven approaches to drive progress in the renewable energy, agriculture, and conservation sectors, facilitating scalable and replicable solutions.

05

Gender and Social Inclusion:

Projects that promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and ensure the inclusion and meaningful participation of marginalized/vulnerable groups such as disenfranchised/at risk youth, the LGBTQAI+, the differently abled and the elderly in sustainable development initiatives.

06

Collaborative Partnerships:

We encourage applicants to develop collaborative and partnership-oriented projects that leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, academic institutions, and the private sector.

07

Support Offered

  1. Tipping Point Support:
    • Who it’s for: Already operational, near-ready projects with a clear path to securing larger-scale funding.
    • What you get: Targeted grants to overcome final hurdles, launch initiatives with a proven proof of concept, scale existing operations, access new types of funding opportunities e.g. debt, equity and/or other forms of private capital.
  2. Project Preparation Cohorts:
    • Who it’s for: Already operational early-stage projects needing comprehensive project preparation for investment support.
    • What you get: An immersive and intensive 5-6 month structured program to enhance investment readiness. This includes the development of a deal room, project design, market strategy, opportunities for peer learning and a success grant to get you started. 
  3. Beautiful Basics Resource Library:
    • Who it’s for: All climate entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders in the region.

What you get: Free online tools, including business templates, financial models, project development checklist and other tools to move your pre-operational early stage innovative idea or concept note to the initial project proposal stage. 

Application Requirements

Who can apply?

    1. Your project or business must be Caribbean-led i.e. the project must be owned by a Caribbean national.
    2. To access project preparation and tipping point support your project or business must be operational i.e. it must be registered and have a proven & functional proof of concept. Beautiful Basics Resource Library is free to anyone wishing to access it. 
    3. Your project or business must be operational/implemented in at least one (1) CCSA coalition member country.
    4. Your project or business must be supported by a detailed budget in USD with clearly articulated milestones for incremental funding of US$30K, US$50K, US$75K, and US$150K.
    5. Your solution must be sustainable and address at least one (1) priority area (Ocean Solutions, Food & Agriculture Solutions, or Circularity Solutions) and the cross-cutting themes.
    6. Organizations, research institutions, NGOs, community-based organizations, private sector entities, and individuals are invited to apply. 
    7. Non-Profit projects are eligible but must have a sustainable project/ business model. 

Application Components

  1. Technical/Executive Summary: 
    • A one-page document that includes:
    • Project Description or Business Model
    • Competitive Advantage
    • Project Overall Value in USD
    • Value of Investment Required in USD
    • Timelines for Execution
    • Deliverables
    • Management Team
    • Project Outcomes & Impact (environmental and social)
    • Main contact person details.
  2. Project or Business Pitch Deck: A visual presentation outlining the key aspects of your project.

We recommend you have the relevant documents handy before you start the online application process, particularly the budget. If you do not yet have these documents please visit the free Beautiful Basics Resource Library on our website.

Selection Process

  1. The selection process involves two distinct stages:
    1. Stage 1: Initial Submission and Shortlisting
      • Submit your project or business plan through our online portal.
      • The CCSA will conduct an initial review and shortlist candidates.
    2. Stage 2: Due Diligence and Final Selection
      • The CCSA projects committee will conduct a detailed due diligence process.
      • Shortlisted project or business owners will be contacted for further information, including scope, cost, and sustainability assessments.

    Please note: Submitting to the CCSA portal does not guarantee that your project will be accepted for IF Caribbean.

Apply Now

If your project or business aligns with the IF Caribbean priority areas and meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for this unique opportunity to receive tailored support and funding.

Deadline for Applications: Close of Business October 31st 2024

For more information and to apply, visit: https://form.typeform.com/to/USDLjrp0
For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact projects@caribbeanaccelerator.org 
Join us in shaping a sustainable future for the Caribbean!