spark! something bigger!

Spark! ’26 is a bold experience focused on micro, small, and medium-sized businesses and workforce talent. Taking place in Antigua & Barbuda in April 2026, it’s rooted in a vision to position the Caribbean — including Antigua & Barbuda — as a global leader in business development and workforce empowerment.

The conference will bring together business owners, managers, employees, and jobseekers to explore practical tools, fresh strategies, and real opportunities for growth. Whether you're scaling a business or stepping into the next phase of your career, Spark! ’26 is where possibility ignites and progress takes shape.

The Spark! '26 Advantage

  • Data focused with survey responses from over 100 Caribbean businesses and workforce talent

  • Inspiring speakers with actionable insights

  • Hands-on workshops — no fluff, just strategies that work

  • Talent-first tools to build smarter teams

  • Targeted networking that drives opportunity and connection

  • Personalized experiences with a VIP feel and high-touch delivery

Themes of Spark! '26

Spark! ’26 will deliver high-impact workshops, panels, and conversations that reflect the needs and aspirations of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, as well as the wider workforce in Antigua & Barbuda and across the Caribbean. Emerging themes include:

  • Resilient Businesses: Laying strong foundations for sustainable business operations and employment.

  • Digital Tools for Growth: Using technology to boost efficiency, visibility, and market access.

  • Access to Capital: Exploring strategies to secure funding and scale responsibly.

  • Showing Up Strong: Fostering accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.

  • Personal Leadership Brand: Equipping individuals to lead from where they are and stand out confidently.

Note: These themes are currently in development and may evolve as we engage with partners and attendees.

Sponsor Benefits

Your brand is uniquely positioned to help unlock this transformation —and benefit from it. That’s why we’re offering customized sponsorship opportunities designed to spotlight your expertise, amplify your impact, and connect you directly with businesses and workforce talent from across Antigua & Barbuda and the Caribbean.

Audience & Reach

Spark! ’26 will bring together over 500 engaged participants from Antigua & Barbuda and across the Caribbean’s business and workforce ecosystem, including:

  • Leaders of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across

    diverse industries.

  • Mid- and senior-level professionals focused on leadership

    growth and skills development.

  • Emerging professionals and jobseekers (ages 18–35) seeking

    career pathways and mentorship.

  • Policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders driving sustainable economic change in the country.

Regional Economy

The Government of Antigua & Barbuda’s Inland Revenue Department uses a labor-based tiered system to define sole proprietorships (micro), small businesses, and medium businesses as follows:

Sole Proprietorship (Micro)

1-3 people

(Under $100,000 XCD / $37,000 USD)

Small Businesses

1-5 employees

($100,000 – $500,000 XCD /

$37,000 – $184,000 USD)

Medium Businesses

6-25 employees

($500,000 – $2 million XCD $184,000 – $736,000 USD)

Businesses

According to the Caribbean Development Bank, MSMEs represent between 70-85% of Caribbean businesses and contribute between 60- 70% of Gross Domestic Product. Critically, they account for an estimated 50% of total employment. Importantly, 40% of Caribbean businesses are owned by women. The success of these enterprises reflects the ingenuity, industry, and innovative spirit of entrepreneurs.

These businesses are essential drivers of innovation, job creation, and community development in the Caribbean. Yet many face significant challenges, including:

  • Difficulty attracting and retaining talent

  • Lack of digital tools and training

  • Few opportunities for networking and mentorship

  • Limited access to funding

Workforce Talent

Workforce talent across the Caribbean—including Antigua and Barbuda—is a powerful driver of economic growth, innovation, and social progress. According to the World Bank, employers face a growing challenge: the gap between job requirements and the skills workers currently have, especially in both technical and soft-skill areas.

Despite their essential role, many workers encounter significant barriers, including:

  • Limited access to training

  • Outdated curricula

  • Low digital literacy

  • Few opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.

Spark! ’26 will address these gaps by providing targeted training, networking opportunities, and practical resources to prepare the region’s businesses and workforce talent for the demands of a competitive, modern economy.

Key Dates

Oct 15, 2025

Platinum Sponsorship Confirmation Deadline

Nov 15, 2025

Gold Sponsorship Confirmation Deadline

Dec 15, 2025

Silver Sponsorship Confirmation Deadline

Jan 15, 2026

Bronze Sponsorship Confirmation Deadline

Apr 2026

Spark! '26 Live Event

May 2026

Sponsor Impact Report Delivered

About Us

Spark! ’26 is led by a powerhouse team of seasoned professionals with deep roots in entrepreneurship, media, organizational leadership, and workforce development — with a combined track record of impact spanning Canada and Antigua & Barbuda.

Together, they bring a unique blend of strategic insight, regional knowledge, and operational excellence to deliver a world-class business and workforce experience, grounded in local relevance and global standards.

This is more than a conference — it's an opportunity  designed by leaders who understand both the challenges and the untapped potential of the Caribbean business and workforce ecosystem.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities or confirm your attendance please contact:

  • + 1.268.785.0001

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