OCBN Turns One: From One Island to a Growing Caribbean Network.

When I look back at OCBN's first year, I get goosebumps thinking about how much has happened.

On 18 August 2025, OCBN officially became a non-profit foundation in Curaçao.

A year later, we have chapters in Curaçao, Aruba, Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas, and we're growing.

More importantly, the Caribbean business ecosystem we envisioned at the beginning of 2025, exists.

Our platform connects entrepreneurs, professionals, businesses, non-profits and network organizations across the region through a Caribbean business directory, marketplace, groups, events and opportunities.

Our ambassadors bring local knowledge and relationships into the wider regional network, and our partnerships are creating connections beyond the Caribbean.

OCBN is already a bridge, connecting the Caribbean within the Caribbean, and connecting the Caribbean more strongly with the world.

Why a nonprofit?

One question we are often asked is: if OCBN has the potential to grow across the Caribbean and internationally, why establish it as a nonprofit?

The answer lies in what we want OCBN to become.

OCBN was created to serve a regional mission that is bigger than any one individual, business or island. Its purpose is to strengthen connection, collaboration, visibility and opportunity across the Caribbean. Being a nonprofit foundation allows us to keep that mission at the centre, reinvest in the ecosystem and build something that can be trusted, shared and shaped by the communities it serves.

It also creates space for businesses, governments, chambers, nonprofits, industry organisations and international partners to participate in a common ecosystem.

The moments that changed things

There were a few moments during our first year that changed the direction and pace of OCBN.

The first was the VBC/MEO trade mission cruise.

It brought us into conversation with business and government leaders from eight Caribbean islands and gave us an opportunity to introduce OCBN and discuss what stronger regional connection could look like. 

We also felt  the support of Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development during the cruise.  With special thanks to Vanessa Torre and Sam Kruiner. We remain deeply grateful for that support.

Then came the keynote.

For me, that was the real turning point.

Until then, the full scale of the vision was not always clear. It was easy to see OCBN primarily as networking events and introductions.

The keynote allowed us to present the whole picture: ambassador-led chapters, a digital platform and app, a regional directory and marketplace, events, groups, organisations and opportunities, all connected through one Caribbean business ecosystem.

Something shifted.

I think most entrepreneurs recognise this stage. In the beginning, you spend so much time explaining your vision, starting conversations, opening doors and helping others see what you see.

Then the conversation begins to change.

After the keynote, entrepreneurs, organisations and business leaders started reaching out to learn more about OCBN and explore how they could become involved.

Invitations followed from across the region to bring OCBN to new islands.

The vision was beginning to travel without us having to carry it into every room ourselves.

One year of momentum

Since then, the momentum has continued through new ambassadors, partnerships, MoUs and conversations with chambers and organisations across the Caribbean and internationally.

What excites me most is seeing the ecosystem being used. Businesses are gaining visibility in new markets, members are connecting across borders, ambassadors are opening doors locally and organisations are finding new partners.

Our ambassadors, members and partners are now bringing their own ideas, relationships and opportunities into OCBN. The vision is no longer ours alone to carry.

And we are only one year in.

I cannot wait to see where the next year takes us.

To everyone who believed in the vision, joined the network, opened a door, shared an introduction, attended an event or supported us along the way.

Thank you.

OCBN’s first year would not have been possible without you.

We invite you to explore the network, become part of the ecosystem and help us continue connecting the Caribbean (www.ocbn.org/login)

Connect. Collaborate. Create.

Suzette & Ryan

Co-Founders, One Caribbean Business Network Foundation (OCBN)