Embedded Files
Caribbean Franchise Summit: Your Three-Day Blueprint for Franchise Success
Caribbean Franchise Summit: Your Three-Day Blueprint for Franchise Success
What to Expect:
Each day combines expert-led sessions, interactive panel discussions, and strategic networking opportunities designed to move you from concept to execution. From financial modeling and legal essentials to international expansion and branding strategies, every session addresses the critical success factors that separate thriving franchises from failed attempts.
Day 1 - March 18th, 2026
Foundations of Franchising
Day 1 - March 18th, 2026
Foundations of Franchising
Theme: Understanding Franchise Models, Systems & Success Factors
Check-in & Networking 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Opening Ceremony & Welcome (Main Hall/Room B)
Opening Ceremony & Welcome (Main Hall/Room B)
Mistress of Ceremonies: Tracy Pilgrim-George
Overview of Summit Objectives
Introduction of Speakers
10:05 AM – 10:10 AM
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Event Supporter: Giselle Gonzalez, IREX
Overview of the YLAI Impact Grant
10:10 AM – 10:20 AM
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Title Sponsor: Shafield St. Brice
Branch Manager, Bank of Saint Lucia, Soufriere Branch
10:20 AM – 10:25 AM
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Event Organizer: Michelle N. Samuel
Overview of the Franchising Education Series
Franchising in the Caribbean: Opportunities & Challenges
10:25 AM – 10:30 AM
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Opening Remarks (Main Hall/Room B)
Guest Speaker: Dr. Marcia Brandon
Director - Entrepreneurship & Innovation, COESL
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
Keynote: What Exactly Is Franchising? (Main Hall/Room B)
Keynote: What Exactly Is Franchising? (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Shawna Rollins
Critical components of a successful franchise
Operational structure
Branding & value proposition
Break 11:10 AM – 11:20 AM
11:20 AM – 12:10 PM
Interactive Group Activity - Creating a Franchise Business in the Caribbean (Main Hall/Room B)
Interactive Group Activity - Creating a Franchise Business in the Caribbean (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Tracy Pilgrim-George
Lunch 12:10 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session: The Franchise Success Formula (Main Hall/Room B)
Session: The Franchise Success Formula (Main Hall/Room B)
Speakers: Christopher Conner & Shawna Rollins
Critical components of a successful franchise
Operational structure
Branding & value proposition
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Panel Discussion: Is Franchising Right for You? (Main Hall/Room B)
Panel Discussion: Is Franchising Right for You? (Main Hall/Room B)
Moderated by Michelle N. Samuel
Speakers: Shawna, Christopher, Dr. Emejuo
Live audience questions
Break 2:45 PM – 2:55 PM
2:55 PM – 3:35 PM
Interactive Activity: Business Model Mapping Exercise (Main Hall/Room B)
Interactive Activity: Business Model Mapping Exercise (Main Hall/Room B)
Lead facilitator: Michelle N. Samuel
Participants assess their current business models
Identify potential franchisable components
3:35 PM – 4:00 PM
Wrap-Up & Reflections (Main Hall/Room B)
Wrap-Up & Reflections (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker takeaways
Preview of Day 2
Group Photo
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Networking & Photo Session in The Franchise Commons
END OF DAY 1
END OF DAY 1
Day 2 - March 19th, 2026
Franchise Readiness & Operations
Day 2 - March 19th, 2026
Franchise Readiness & Operations
Theme: Systems, Legal Frameworks & Operational Excellence
Check-in & Networking 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Recap (Main Hall/Room B)
Recap (Main Hall/Room B)
Phoebe Popo
Day 2 Welcome & Overview
10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
Session: Franchise Legal Frameworks & Compliance (Main Hall/Room B)
Session: Franchise Legal Frameworks & Compliance (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Stephen Lashley
Required documentation
Franchise agreements
Legal protection + obligations
Break 11:00 AM – 11:10 AM
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Session: Building a Franchise-Ready Business System (Main Hall/Room B)
Session: Building a Franchise-Ready Business System (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Christopher Conner
SOPs
Franchise manuals
Training structures
Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Workshop: Inside the Delicious Treats Franchise System (Main Hall/Room B)
Workshop: Inside the Delicious Treats Franchise System (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Shawna Rollins
Deep dive into her model
Scaling challenges & lessons learned
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Presentation: Social Media Marketing Strategies for Caribbean Franchises (Main Hall/Room B)
Presentation: Social Media Marketing Strategies for Caribbean Franchises (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Sharine Joseph
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
BizConnect Caribbean Franchise Showcase (Main Hall)
BizConnect Caribbean Franchise Showcase (Main Hall)
Speaker: Michelle N. Samuel
Discover the region's most innovative digital entrepreneurship platform.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
MASTERCLASS SESSION 1: Franchise Financial Modeling (Room C, Closed, Pre-registration required)
MASTERCLASS SESSION 1: Franchise Financial Modeling (Room C, Closed, Pre-registration required)
Instructor: Christopher Conner
Capacity: 20 participants (pre-registration required)
Perfect for: Aspiring franchisors, business owners evaluating franchise readiness, financial advisors
Break 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM
Franchise Connection Hub: Investor-Franchisor Meetups, Where Capital Meets Caribbean Franchise Opportunities
Franchise Connection Hub: Investor-Franchisor Meetups, Where Capital Meets Caribbean Franchise Opportunities
2:40 PM - 3:40 PM
All attendees are encouraged to network and have one-on-one meetings
Connects franchisors, investors, and franchisees
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Day 2 Wrap-Up (Main Hall)
Pre-Day 3 reflection task: “What would your first franchise unit look like?”
Group Photo
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Networking in The Franchise Commons
Networking Reception
Exclusive Evening Event | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue: Harbor Club Hotel, Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
Dress Code: Business Cocktail Attire
VIPs and Invited Guests Only
END OF DAY 2
END OF DAY 2
Day 3 - March 20th, 2026
Scaling & Global Growth
Day 3 - March 20th, 2026
Scaling & Global Growth
Theme: Scaling, Funding & Cross-Border Expansion
Check-in & Networking 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Recap (Main Hall/Room B)
Recap (Main Hall/Room B)
Phoebe Popo
Day 3 Welcome & Overview
10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
Q&A With the Audience (Main Hall/Room B)
Q&A With the Audience (Main Hall/Room B)
Speakers: Shawna Rollins & Christopher Conner
Break 11:00 AM – 11:10 AM
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
The YLAI Opportunity (Main Hall/Room B)
The YLAI Opportunity (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Michelle Samuel
The Fellowship
The Network
The Impact Grant
Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Case Study Deep Dive: Delicious Treats’ Regional Growth Plan (Main Hall/Room B)
Case Study Deep Dive: Delicious Treats’ Regional Growth Plan (Main Hall/Room B)
Speaker: Shawna Rollins
Aligning brand + franchise identity
Caribbean competitiveness
Digital ecosystems for franchise growth
1:40 PM – 3:10 PM
MASTERCLASS SESSION 3: Franchise Agreement Essentials (Room C, Closed, Pre-registration required)
MASTERCLASS SESSION 3: Franchise Agreement Essentials (Room C, Closed, Pre-registration required)
Instructor: Stephen Lashley
Capacity: 20 participants (pre-registration required)
Perfect for: First-time franchisors, franchisees reviewing agreements, business consultants
Break 3:10 PM – 3:20 PM
3:30 PM– 4:00 PM
Final Networking & Photo Session in The Franchise Commons
Final Networking & Photo Session in The Franchise Commons
END OF SUMMIT
END OF SUMMIT
OPTIONAL POST-SUMMIT ACTIVITIES
OPTIONAL POST-SUMMIT ACTIVITIES
Extend Your Caribbean Experience
After three intensive days of learning and networking, we invite you to explore the spiritual and natural beauty of Saint Lucia. These optional activities are designed to help you reflect, recharge, and build deeper connections with fellow attendees.
DAY 4 - Saturday, March 21, 2026
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION & COMMUNITY: Rest, Renewal & Purpose
Theme: Success with Soul - Finding Balance in Business Growth
Morning Worship Experience
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Join fellow summit attendees for an uplifting worship service at Maranatha SDA Church, one of Saint Lucia's welcoming faith communities.
Location: Maranatha SDA Church, L'Anse Road, Castries, Saint Lucia
What to Expect:
Traditional Caribbean worship experience
Community fellowship and networking in a relaxed setting
Time for reflection after intensive summit learning
Opportunity to connect with local Saint Lucian community
Transportation Details:
Pickup: 9:00 AM from (central meeting point)
Return: Approximately 12:30 PM back to Castries
Cost: Small transportation fee (pay driver directly)
Note: Service is also livestreamed on YouTube for those preferring virtual attendance
Dress Code: Smart casual / formal wear
Day 5 - March 22nd, 2026
ISLAND EXPLORATION & CULTURAL IMMERSION: The Business of Tourism & Caribbean Culture
Day 5 - March 22nd, 2026
ISLAND EXPLORATION & CULTURAL IMMERSION: The Business of Tourism & Caribbean Culture
Theme: Beyond the Boardroom - Understanding Saint Lucia's Economic Engine
Complete Round-the-Island Tour
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Experience Saint Lucia's breathtaking natural attractions while learning about the island's tourism economy—the Caribbean's largest industry and a franchise opportunity gold mine.
What to Bring:
Swimsuit and towel
Sunscreen and hat
Camera/phone for photos
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket (some stops are in mountains)
Cash for souvenirs and tips
Day 6 - March 23rd, 2026
DEPARTURE DAY: Taking Your Vision Home
Day 6 - March 23rd, 2026
DEPARTURE DAY: Taking Your Vision Home
Theme: From Summit to Action - Your Next 90 Days
Check-Out & Departure (for Regional & International Attendees):
Hotel/Airbnb Check-Out: Per your accommodation's policy (typically 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Airport Transfer Options:
Group Shuttle Service
Scheduled departures to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)
Cost-effective shared transportation
Advance booking required
Private Driver Services
Contact Michelle N. Samuel for personalized arrangements:
SS Executives - Professional executive transport
Marvalous Transfers - Reliable private driver service
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
Flexible timing for your flight schedule
Small fee for premium service
Recommended Departure Timeline:
For Hewanorra International Airport (UVF): Allow 2 hours travel time + 3 hours before flight
For George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU): Allow 30 minutes travel time + 2 hours before flight
Before You Leave:
Exchange contact information with new connections
Join the Caribbean Franchise Summit Alumni WhatsApp group
Schedule your 30-day accountability check-in call
Take one last photo at your hotel with your summit materials
Departure Blessing:
As you leave Saint Lucia, you're not just taking memories—you're taking a blueprint for Caribbean business transformation. Your franchise journey starts now. We're with you every step of the way.
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
How to Register for Optional Activities:
How to Register for Optional Activities:
Indicate your interest during summit registration, or
Indicate your interest during summit registration, or
Sign up at the summit registration desk (Days 1-3), or
Sign up at the summit registration desk (Days 1-3), or
Contact Michelle N. Samuel directly
Contact Michelle N. Samuel directly
Questions?
Questions?
Email: iamyourstartupadvisor@gmail.com
Email: iamyourstartupadvisor@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 1(758)724-0079
WhatsApp: 1(758)724-0079
Note for Local Saint Lucian Attendees:
Note for Local Saint Lucian Attendees:
While Days 4-5 are designed primarily for our regional and international guests, local attendees are absolutely welcome to join for fellowship, networking, and experiencing your island through fresh eyes!
While Days 4-5 are designed primarily for our regional and international guests, local attendees are absolutely welcome to join for fellowship, networking, and experiencing your island through fresh eyes!
These optional activities are not included in your summit ticket price. Separate fees apply for transportation, tours, and meals where indicated. All activities are weather-dependent and subject to minor schedule adjustments.
These optional activities are not included in your summit ticket price. Separate fees apply for transportation, tours, and meals where indicated. All activities are weather-dependent and subject to minor schedule adjustments.
Page updated
Report abuse