Antigua and Barbuda’s entrepreneurs are being invited to compete for a place before local, regional and international investors at the Commonwealth Business Forum Power Pitch during CHOGM 2026.

Commonwealth Business Forum media and communications lead Carlon Knight said the initiative is designed to address one of the biggest barriers facing small and medium-sized businesses: access to capital.

“We are bringing capital to the entrepreneurs,” Knight said on the Browne and Browne Show. “It would be a life-changing opportunity for somebody.”

Modelled in part on the television programme Shark Tank, selected entrepreneurs will have approximately five minutes to present an investment-ready venture to a panel of investors and respond to questions about their business, finances and expected returns.

Applicants must submit a detailed business plan, financial projections and forecasts, an investment pitch deck and supporting documents showing that the venture is viable and ready for funding.

“We are not looking for projects or businesses that you just did the night before,” Knight said. “We want them to be investment-ready or oven-ready.”

The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council will shortlist applicants and provide training to finalists. About five Antigua and Barbuda ventures are initially expected to be selected, although Knight said the number could grow if interest and available space permit.

The deadline is September 25 at 4 p.m. Information is available through the CHOGM website, by telephone at 562-5206 or by email at [email protected].

Knight said one or two local banks would join regional and international investors in the room.

“Business is the engine of growth,” he said. “It is through business that you’re able to employ people, reduce unemployment and grow the economy.”