The 2026 Impact Challenge
calls on entrepreneurs in the British Virgin Islands to develop commercially viable solutions that protect and regenerate ocean health.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: APRIL 2ND 2026. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 10 2026
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APPLICATIONS OPEN: APRIL 2ND 2026. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 10 2026 •
Do you have a great idea that could help protect our ocean and grow our economy?
We want to hear from you. Winners will receive access to up to $200,000, along with one year of tailored incubation and acceleration support through the VI Purpose Fund.
APPLICATION Timeline Highlights
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APRIL 2
Applications Open
Phase 1 of the Application Process
The Initial Assessment: Screens for eligibility and alignment strength.
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JUNE 10
Deadline for Initial Assessments
Phase I of Application: Applicants Screened for Eligibility & Alignment Strength
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July 1
Shortlisted Applicants Invited to Phase II of the Application Process
Submission of a detailed business plan, financial forecast & impact projection.
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AUGust 25
Deadline for Phase II Applications
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SEPTEMBER 15
12 Semifinalists Advance
Semifinalist Applications Reviewed & Scored by Selection Review Committee.
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OCTOBER 13 - early November
6 Finalists invited to LIVE Pitch Event on Necker Island (Early Nov)
Finalists will be offered mentorship and coaching for the pitch event.
Awardees announced at event!
“This is an opportunity for creative and committed entrepreneurs to receive financial and business support to make a difference in the lives of their family, the community and the PLANET.”
– Rick Kearney
Application PROCESS & Timeline
1
Phase I: Initial Assessment & Shortlisting
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All submitted applications are screened for eligibility and programme alignment strength.
April 2, 2026: Phase I of the application process opens. Applicants are invited to submit the Initial Assessment Form.
June 10, 2026: Deadline to submit Initial Assessment Forms.
July 1, 2026: Selected applicants are invited to advance to Phase II of the application process.
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Phase II: Full Application & Finalist Selection
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July 1, 2026: Eligible applicants with strong alignment to the programme’s goals will be invited to submit a detailed business plan, financial forecast, and impact projection (templates provided).
Submissions are reviewed and scored using a weighted matrix by a Selection Committee made up of local and international experts in entrepreneurship, business, conservation, and impact investing.
August 25, 2026: Deadline to submit Phase II Applications.
September 15-October 13 2026: The Application Review & Selection Committee evaluates the top 12 Phase II submissions.
October 13, 2026: The top 6 applicants are invited to advance to the final phase: an in-person Pitch Event before the Judging Panel on Necker Island early November 2026.
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Phase III: Pitch Event, Awards & Acceleration
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6 Finalists present their ideas in-person at Necker Island to a Judging Panel that includes impact investors Sir Richard Branson and Rick Kearney, co-founders of The VI Purpose Fund.
October 13 – November 1, 2026: Finalists receive business coaching, mentorship, and support to prepare for the Pitch Event.
Early Nov 2026 (exact date still to be confirmed): 6 Finalists pitch their ideas in front of the Judging Panel at the Pitch Event.
Winners are selected and announced by Unite BVI at the event.
November 2026 – November 2027: Awardees receive one full year of business incubation and acceleration support.
November 2027: Awardee Impact Stories are showcased on a global platform, and opportunities for regional and international scaling are explored.
Need more guidance for your application?
Please check out our Application Support Page
Selection Process
what We Are Looking For
Recent global scientific assessments confirm the ocean system—central to climate regulation, biodiversity, and human survival—has breached critical planetary boundaries.
This is not a distant risk. It is a present and accelerating reality.
The BVI is both on the frontlines of this crisis—and uniquely positioned to help solve it.
Local solutions can drive global impact.
we are looking for businesses that make ocean regeneration economically viable, positioning the British Virgin Islands as a launchpad for scalable solutions to the global ocean crisis.
Our goal is to incubate and catalyze businesses that are true forces for good – ventures that drive both economic success and measurable environmental impact, while supporting the wellbeing of people and the protection of our planet.
Up to $200,000 in funding, alongside one year of incubation and acceleration support, will be awarded to one or more ventures to translate strong ideas into real-world, scalable impact.
Turning planetary risk into regenerative island opportunity.
THE CHALLENGE WILL SUPPORT VENTURES THAT:
Integrate ocean protection and regeneration into the core business model, where impact and profitability are inseparable
Demonstrate a clear, credible revenue model, with early traction (within 12 months) and a path to financial sustainability without ongoing subsidy
Stimulate the local economy, including job creation, durable employment, strengthened supply chains, reduced import dependence, and increased local spending
Pioneer innovative, locally rooted solutions in the BVI with strong potential for replication and scale
Deliver measurable environmental outcomes in at least one of the following priority solution areas:
PRIORITY SOLUTION AREAS
Reduced pressure on marine species and ecosystems
(e.g. sustainable fisheries, regenerative aquaculture, marine-based food systems)Reduction in carbon emissions
(e.g. low-carbon, ocean-linked local manufacturing)Sustainable local food sovereignty linked to ocean health
(e.g. aquaponics and systems that reduce pressure on marine ecosystems)Ocean and coastal restoration businesses (e.g. reef-safe mooring installation, mangrove restoration services, coral restoration enterprises, restoration-linked eco-tourism)
Waste Reduction, Material Substitution & Circular Solutions
(e.g. plastic alternatives, reuse models, recycling, and solutions reducing ocean-harmful waste)Sargassum-to-value models
(where commercially viable)
How will finalists be selected?
Eligible applications will be evaluated by an Application Review and Selection Committee composed of both local and international experts with experience in entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, and impact investing.
Selection will be based on several key criteria, including purpose alignment, economic viability, feasibility, impact potential, scalability and innovation. Your proposed solution should aim to deliver both economic success and measurable environmental impact.
Solutions aligned with the Priority Solution Areas will be scored most favourably.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must address an ocean health issue through a business-based solution that is measurable, scalable, and commercially viable.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid trade licence by August 25, 2026.
Businesses related to fisheries must also obtain the appropriate licence under the Fisheries Act.
Depending on the nature of the activity, additional permissions from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change may be required.
Non-profits are welcomed to apply with a valid NPO certificate and to reinvest 100% of profits in a social enterprise model.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 10 2026
