ABOUT US
what we do
We are a business development platform designed to support micro, small and medium business owners and dedicated to fostering economic opportunity and strengthening small Caribbean businesses in North America and beyond. Entrenched in the heart of NYC, CBN emerged as an initiative to support the many entrepreneurs in the city. Today, we serve a diverse group of businesses providing tools and opportunities to help small businesses reach their full potential.
OUR MISSION
CBN’s mission is to connect, support, amplify Black & Caribbean entrepreneurs to make them more impactful and successful brands. By providing access to the resources and capacity building, we help businesses move through key milestones as they strive to reach their full potential.
3 CORE VERTICALS
EDUCATION
To serve as a preferred knowledge base providing access to information and resources for the Caribbean businesses across the diaspora and to advocate for initiatives that amplify and improve the livelihoods of Caribbean people everywhere.
EVENTS
To educate, promote and showcase the diversity of products and services of Caribbean makers, freelancers, creators and small business owners everywhere.
MARKETING
To provide essential branding and marketing services to Caribbean-led brands in order to help them be ready for critical growth opportunities.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Nicole K. Grimes
Nicole Grimes is an award-winning author, educator, consultant and Founder of Carib Biz Network in 2019. Her 20+ year career in education and her love of Caribbean culture served as the seedbed to start CBN - a community dedicated to amplifying Caribbean talent and entrepreneurs.
Grimes is an alumna of The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY) where she received a Ph.D. in Urban Education. She is a former NYC high school principal, university adjunct Assistant professor and STEM educator. She earned an M.A. in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University & a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University.
we’re NURTURING CARIBBEAN entrepreneurs to beat the oddS
90%
of start-up’s fail
18%
of first-time startup founders are successful.
10%
of new businesses don't survive the first year.
22%
of startups that fail don’t have a sound marketing strategy.
Our Ecosystem
A Vast Network Connecting to Collaborate, Build & Grow
LET’S CONNECT, GROW, WIN TOGETHER
BUSINESSES
INDIVIDUALS
Are you a Caribbean-owned business in North America? Then join our mailing list to stay abreast of events and referral opportunities; add your info to our Business Directory , browse our marketing & branding agency services & consider joining our Exclusive Biz Member Lounge. We are also proud to work alongside brands that are committed to making a difference for Caribbean entrepreneurs across our region. Our partners have included companies like MetroPlus Health, Grenada Tourism Authority, Nudge Caribbean, the NYC EDC and more. To join us in strengthening and furthering our work, email us at hello@caribbiznetwork.com
Support Caribbean-owned Brands
Your dollars have significant impact on the U.S. and Caribbean markets. By supporting Caribbean-owned brands, you are contributing to building brands that amplify our culture, creativity and impact on introducing solution-based goods and services focused on sustainability and more. Join our mailing list to stay abreast of all our pop-up events.
Spread The Word
Imagine how much more we can grow together! Share, repost and tag your favourite Caribbean brands, share our digital content with others (including social media posts, brands lists, our events etc.) and encourage each other to spend your dollars on Caribbean businesses.
