With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea, no matter where on Earth you live

 BlueBiz seeks to empower youth and entrepreneurship in the blue economy by equipping them with the relevant skills, resources, and support to innovate sustainable businesses. This would be an economic venture in ocean-related sectors such as aquaculture, tourism, marine technology, and environmental conservation. 

 We welcome applications by young entrepreneurs aged between 18 to 35, small-scale business owners, and innovators who want to create positive social impacts or economic or environmental impacts within the blue economy. We encourage participants from all different blue economy sectors and invite applicants with innovative solutions that respond to the challenges of ocean sustainability. 

 BlueBiz gives holistic training in the basics of entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, and digital skills, adapted to the needs of the blue economy. Other important aspects that our program covers are soft skills such as leadership, networking and communication, all put together in a well-rounded toolkit. 

 BlueBiz offers entrepreneurship training, technical training, mentorship provided by sector experts, funding opportunities, and networking events. We connect participants with potential investors and market actors from the blue economy to help them grow and establish viable business models. 

 Yes, networking is a very important aspect of the program. BlueBiz organizes events and links participants to value chain actors, industry professionals, and other entrepreneurs. Such a network supports the participants in getting a feel for the market and developing relationships that can be helpful to grow business.  

 BlueBiz links entrepreneurship training with a focus on sustainability and the blue economy. Other business programs differ from the intent of BlueBiz in that it aims at the creation of businesses that balance profitability with environmental responsibility to have a positive impact both on local communities and marine ecosystems. 

There are no participation costs to BlueBiz participants since they are fully sponsored by the partner organizations that ensure blue economy innovation is catalyzed through the program. Participants can have funding, resources, and training without necessarily having to pay for the same. 

  By the end of the program, participants are likely to have an improved foundation in entrepreneurship, a better-defined business model, and a well-defined actionable growth plan. They shall equally have wider networks in the blue economy, with an understanding of how to scale their ventures sustainably.