Unite BVI Boosts Impact Fund to $250,000
Unite BVI has expanded its 2026 Impact Challenge prize pool to $250,000 after a new donor increased funding, organisers announced. The VI Purpose Fund invites Virgin Islands entrepreneurs to apply by June 10 for grants supporting businesses that tackle ocean health and other environmental challenges while strengthening the local economy.
Unite BVI has increased the prize pool for its 2026 Impact Challenge to $250,000 after a new donor added $50,000 to the competition, organisers announced. Lauren Keil, programme manager for the VI Purpose Fund, revealed the boost during an appearance on The Morning Facts with Cindy Rosan, calling it the first public announcement of the larger fund.
The Impact Challenge, now entering its second year, supports entrepreneurs whose businesses advance environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the Virgin Islands. Last year the initiative backed two winning ventures, BlockWorks VI and Report the Reef, after receiving 47 applications in its inaugural year.
This year organisers hope to attract a significantly larger pool of entrants. Keil said the competition will focus on projects that contribute to ocean health and environmental resilience but stressed that eligible ideas are not limited to water-based businesses. "There are so many land-based businesses that affect the ocean's health," she said, highlighting opportunities from import substitution to local manufacturing and farming that reduce carbon emissions and build food sovereignty.
Applications opened on April 2 and close on June 10. Entrepreneurs may submit initial applications without a trade licence, but must obtain a licence before advancing to the final stages. Keil encouraged applicants who do not yet have licences to apply for them promptly. The Impact Challenge seeks proposals in six priority areas: sustainable fisheries, food sovereignty, carbon reduction, sargassum management, recycling, and circular economy initiatives.
Keil specifically called for solutions addressing sargassum seaweed blooms, a recurring issue that affects coastal health, beaches and tourism across the territory. A selection panel will narrow entrants to six finalists who will pitch their ideas before judges that include Sir Richard Branson and Rick Kearney.
The judges may award the full $250,000 to a single outstanding venture or divide the funds among multiple winners. In addition to grant funding, successful applicants will receive a year of bespoke business incubation and acceleration support from Unite BVI to help scale and commercialise their solutions.
For BVI residents, the programme offers a route to turn locally relevant environmental problems into businesses that create jobs, reduce imports and protect marine and coastal resources vital to tourism and fisheries. Entrepreneurs interested in applying should prepare proposals aligned with the programme's priorities and note the June 10 deadline.
Primary source: JTV