The RTPark has been a part of the Virgin Islands' economic development ecosystem for more than 15 years. Each year, we take steps to improve our programming to better meet the needs of the Territory and fulfill our economic development objectives. This year we expanded our team, added new programs, and launched the second cohort of our startup accelerator (acceleratevi.com) for USVI-based tech startups. We are excited to share highlights of these programs throughout the Summer Content Series.   

WHAT IS THE SUMMER CONTENT SERIES? 

Over the next six weeks, our summer blog series will take a closer look at some of the RTPark's newest programs and highlight economic opportunities for the USVI. Spearheaded by our summer Business Development Fellows, Mariatu Santiago, and Alison Christiansen, this series will highlight the work the RTPark is doing to engage with the community and grow a strong local tech ecosystem. Each post will provide a different perspective on an aspect of the RTPark’s work for the USVI. 

ACCELERATE VI 

Our startup accelerator, Accelerate VI, was created to introduce a way for USVI tech startups and entrepreneurs to receive critical mentorship, resources, and skills to help their businesses succeed while remaining in the USVI and creating jobs in the territory. In addition to the connections the founders in each cohort form with mentors and industry experts, the shared experience of participating in Accelerate VI helps build a strong community of entrepreneurs in the Territory. Our hope is that the community will not only support each other as they grow their businesses but also encourage other innovators in the USVI to become entrepreneurs.  

Accelerate VI is currently working with our second cohort. This year's entrepreneurs are the founders of Flyion, Squeeze Cash, Ocean Prospects, K-Mill 360, Everyday Carnival, Virgin Islands Videogame Network, and CareWindow. Through Accelerate VI's specialized 3-month curriculum, we focus on the skills necessary to scale a technology-based business in the Caribbean and beyond, including product development strategies, cultivating a strong brand, and pitching to potential investors. Our programming challenges the entrepreneurs in our accelerator to think creatively and analytically while quickly identifying ways they can provide value to their customers. We also provide each participating startup with access to capital, in-depth mentoring from a community of experienced entrepreneurs, complementary workspace, international development resources, and partner perks. Learn more: www.acceleratevi.com 

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK 

Future posts will provide more details on the companies from Accelerate VI, the impact of VI STEM Kids, and more. We hope these posts will update the community on the exciting work we're engaging in and what we plan to do next. If you have suggestions or ideas for programs you would like to see from the RTPark, please reach out to info@uvirtpark.net. 

Your blog post content here…