This Challenge invites BVI entrepreneurs to:

• Build businesses that restore marine systems

• Reduce pressure on vulnerable species and ecosystems

• Demonstrate that regeneration can be economically viable

We are seeking ventures that transform ocean protection into scalable enterprises—not pilots or concepts, but real businesses with measurable impact.

The 2026 Impact Challenge is a CALL TO ACTION for entrepreneurs across the Virgin Islands:

To lead.

To restore.

To prove that local innovation can solve global ocean challenges. 

Entrepreneurs and business owners developing solutions to ocean challenges—including sargassum management, sustainable fisheries, marine restoration, low-carbon solutions, and reducing reliance on imports—are encouraged to apply.

If your business is helping to protect marine ecosystems or build sustainable, locally rooted solutions, the 2026 Impact Challenge offers an opportunity to scale.

• 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:

• 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)

Applicants must address an ocean health issue through a business-based solution that is measurable, scalable, and commercially viable. Solutions aligned with the Priority Solution Areas will be scored most favourably.

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.