Policymakers

Persistent Caribbean Economic Challenges:

• Youth unemployment rates exceeding 20% in multiple territories

• Limited scalability of small business sector

• Capital flight to foreign franchise systems ($500M+ annually across CARICOM)

• Slow implementation of regional economic integration

• Brain drain as entrepreneurs seek opportunities abroad

• Difficulty attracting and retaining foreign direct investment

Franchise Development as Policy Solution:

Franchising represents a market-based mechanism that addresses multiple policy objectives simultaneously:

• Job Creation - Franchise systems create employment across skill levels (entry-level to management) with standardized training pathways

• Entrepreneurship Development - Franchise ownership provides structured entrepreneurship opportunities with higher success rates than independent startups

• Regional Integration - Franchise expansion naturally facilitates intra-Caribbean business movement

• Capital Retention - Caribbean-owned franchises keep fees, royalties, and profits within regional economies

• Skills Transfer - Systematic training embedded in franchise models develops workforce capabilities

• Economic Diversification - Franchise expansion creates opportunities beyond traditional tourism sectors

Ideal Attendees:

• Ministers of Trade, Commerce, Economic Development

• Economic development agency executives

• Chamber of Commerce leadership

• Small business support organization directors

• Regional integration body representatives (CARICOM Secretariat, OECS Commission)

• Development bank officials

• Investment promotion agency staff

• Legislative advisors focused on commercial policy