Supporting entrepreneurs.
Strengthening communities.
Expanding opportunity.
Island Impact Fund works to expand economic opportunity in Cuba by helping selected entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community initiatives access concrete resources, practical training, mentorship, and professional connections that can strengthen sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities.
Support is tailored to each project’s stage, priorities, and needs and is provided according to program priorities and available resources.
Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly important source of economic opportunity in Cuba. Across the island, entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating jobs, preserving skills, and supporting their families despite significant barriers to accessing the resources they need to grow.
Limited access to financing, equipment, professional training, technology, and business networks continues to constrain many promising ventures.
Island Impact Fund does not provide direct cash financing. Instead, we work to reduce practical barriers by connecting selected projects with equipment, tools, materials, training, mentorship, and professional relationships that can help them move forward.
Why This Work Matters
WHY INVEST IN ENTREPRENEURS
Building Opportunity Together
Investing in Entrepreneurs. Strengthening Communities.
Entrepreneurs play a vital role in creating jobs, strengthening local economies, preserving skills, and expanding opportunity within their communities. When they have access to the resources, knowledge, and professional networks they need, the benefits extend far beyond a single business.
We believe that investing in entrepreneurs is an investment in stronger, more resilient communities.
By bringing together donors, partners, mentors, and organizations, Island Impact Fund works to expand access to the resources, knowledge, and professional connections entrepreneurs and community initiatives need to create sustainable economic and local impact.
Together, we can help build pathways to opportunity that benefit individuals, families, and communities across Cuba.
How We Support Entrepreneurs
Island Impact Fund develops tailored support plans for selected entrepreneurs and community initiatives based on their stage of development, current priorities, and the resources available through the Fund and its partners.
Support may include:
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Equipment, Tools & Materials
Essential equipment, tools, materials, technology, and supplies that can help selected projects improve operations, strengthen service delivery, increase productivity, or expand capacity.
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Practical Training
Practical business and technical learning opportunities connected to each project’s current needs, including areas such as planning, operations, production, financial management, marketing, communications, and organizational development.
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Mentorship & Technical Guidance
Connections with experienced professionals who can provide practical advice, sector-specific expertise, and guidance as projects address challenges and develop their work.
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Professional Networks
Introductions to professionals, organizations, mentors, and potential partners who may help selected projects access knowledge, strengthen their strategy, develop new opportunities, and expand their reach.
What We Do Not Provide
Island Impact Fund does not provide direct cash grants or unrestricted financing.
We do not purchase or rent commercial spaces, cover salaries or recurring operating expenses, reimburse previous expenses, or resolve legal, licensing, or regulatory matters.
Requests involving transportation, infrastructure, software, digital platforms, or other specialized resources are reviewed individually based on feasibility, legal requirements, available resources, and program priorities.
How It Works
Entrepreneurs and community initiatives submit an application describing their work, current stage, goals, challenges, and priority needs.
Apply
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Applications are evaluated based on mission alignment, viability, readiness, commitment, community impact, and the fit between the project’s needs and the support Island Impact Fund may be able to provide.
Review
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Select & Plan
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Selected projects receive a customized support plan based on their stage of development, priorities, expected outcomes, and available resources.
Support may include equipment, tools, materials, practical training, mentorship, technical guidance, or professional connections.
As funding and resources become available, Island Impact Fund coordinates approved support with donors, partners, mentors, and professional networks.
After support is delivered, we stay in contact with selected projects, document progress, and use what we learn to strengthen future programs.
Deliver & Follow Up
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AREAS OF FOCUS
Island Impact Fund considers projects that strengthen local economies, expand opportunity, and create meaningful community impact.
While every project follows a different path, the entrepreneurs and community initiatives we consider generally align with one or more of the following areas.
Economic Empowerment & Job Creation
Supporting sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, small business development, and income-generating opportunities.
Sustainable & Ethical Production
Encouraging responsible production, local craftsmanship, agriculture, and environmentally conscious business practices.
Cultural & Creative Innovation
Supporting artists, designers, makers, and creative entrepreneurs whose work preserves cultural knowledge while creating economic opportunity.
Community & Social Impact
Supporting initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, expand access to essential services, and improve quality of life.
GET INVOLVED
Help Expand Opportunity in Cuba
Whether you are interested in supporting future projects, contributing your expertise, partnering with us, or applying for support, you can help expand opportunity across Cuba.