Michelle Samuel, a Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellow from Saint Lucia, and her team have received a 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grant for their project, BizConnect. The announcement was made by the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.
The AEIF is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State that offers grants to alumni of exchange programs to help them create and implement projects focused on addressing global challenges within their communities.
BizConnect, led by Samuel and other Saint Lucian alumni, seeks to support new entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration with U.S. business professionals. The grant will be used to organize workshops about U.S. business methods and entrepreneurial approaches, build a platform for ongoing learning and networking, and connect local entrepreneurs with experienced mentors from the United States. The project aims to benefit 65 direct participants while reaching over 300 people in the broader business community.
According to the press release, “BizConnect aims to revolutionize the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing vital support and resources to emerging innovators through education, mentorship, and collaboration with U.S. business experts.” The initiative also aligns with America250 goals by integrating American practices in entrepreneurship and innovation into its programming.
The embassy stated that BizConnect will use digital tools to expand its reach and effectiveness while promoting sustainable economic growth through international partnerships.
“The U.S. Embassy congratulates Ms. Samuel and her team on this exciting achievement,” according to the statement.
For more information or inquiries about the program, interested parties are directed to contact BridgetownPress@state.gov.