The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a new program to boost small and medium-sized businesses in the Caribbean and Pacific that focus on climate-positive projects. The initiative, called the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) accelerator, is open to companies in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Under the pilot three-month accelerator, up to 10 eligible climate-positive projects will receive tailored support. The assistance includes mentorship, growth-focused advisory services, and connections with potential investors and stakeholders. Applications must be submitted by 31 October.
The CIN advised that women-led and youth-led businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. The aim is to expand economic opportunities in regions that are vulnerable to climate change but full of entrepreneurial potential.
CIN was first announced at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa and is financially backed by the UK government, with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance serving as its delivery partner for the current phase, running until March 2026.
The move signals a growing focus on giving island economies access to both capital and global networks, helping them scale up business models that protect the environment while supporting growth.