ABYBT Officially Launched, Marking a New Era for Youth Entrepreneurship in Antigua & Barbuda

St. John’s, Antigua — November 23, 2025

On November 23, at the close of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, Antigua and Barbuda marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust (ABYBT), an institution designed to transform the entrepreneurial landscape for generations of young innovators. Held at the St. John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration Ministries, the launch brought together national leaders, development partners, private sector champions, and youth advocates in a celebration of vision, commitment, and hope for the nation’s future.

A National Mandate Takes Flight

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Lady Williams, whose presence signalled the national importance of this historic initiative. In his address, His Excellency offered high commendation for the establishment of the ABYBT, describing it as an essential institution for shaping the entrepreneurial future of Antigua and Barbuda and as a critical mechanism for empowering our young people to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

He further emphasized that entrepreneurship is no longer optional for small island states but is a strategic imperative and a key avenue for economic resilience, community development, and long-term national prosperity.

A Vision Brought to Life

In his keynote remarks, Chairman of the Board, Jerry DaC Blenman, delivered a message that resonated deeply across the room, an articulation of purpose, identity, and national urgency.

He highlighted that “The ABYBT is not simply an organization, it is a movement. It represents the conviction that our young people are not only talented but capable of shaping industries, solving national problems, and building businesses that endure. Today, we stand on the conviction that investing in our youth is investing in the future of Antigua and Barbuda.”

A Celebration of Excellence, Culture, and Community

In addition to the Governor General’s and Chairman’s remarks, warm congratulatory messages were received from Youth Business Trusts across the Caribbean, acknowledging the ABYBT as an important new partner in the regional network of youth enterprise development.

Their messages celebrated Antigua and Barbuda’s entry into a regional ecosystem committed to entrepreneurship, innovation, and socio-economic advancement. Several regional YBT leaders referred to the ABYBT as an important and powerful addition to the Caribbean family of Youth Business Trusts.

A Clear and Strategic Road Ahead

The launch also signalled the opening of Cycle 1 registration for the EmpowerED 12-Module Entrepreneurship Training Program, which will run from 5 January to 30 April 2026. This intensive four-month capacity-building experience will equip young entrepreneurs with:

• Entrepreneurial mindset development

• Innovation and ideation fundamentals

• Business model design and planning

• Branding, sales, and customer engagement

• Financial management and revenue strategy

• Pitch preparation and investor readiness

The Trust has already begun receiving registrations, demonstrating strong national interest and the youth's desire for structured entrepreneurial development.

Chairman Blenman, in highlighting the transformational potential of the program, noted that “Entrepreneurship is one of the greatest pathways to economic inclusion, empowerment, and social mobility for young people. Through EmpowerED, we intend to cultivate a generation of disciplined, innovative, and resilient young business leaders.”

A National Call to Partnership

At the launch, the ABYBT also emphasized its readiness to collaborate and deepen partnerships with government, educational institutions, corporate partners, and community-based organizations to ensure that young people in Antigua and Barbuda are surrounded by the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they desire.

A Launch That Marks a Beginning

With strong national leadership, regional encouragement, and clear strategic direction, the launch of the ABYBT stands as a landmark moment in Antigua and Barbuda’s entrepreneurial development journey.

As the final day of Global Entrepreneurship Week came to a close, the launch symbolized more than the end of a global celebration; it marked the beginning of a bold national movement, a movement that believes in young people, a movement that invests in their dreams, and a movement that strengthens the nation.

The ABYBT is now officially open, and the future of youth entrepreneurship in Antigua and Barbuda is set to be more promising.