Incubator Programme
The Incubator Programme
Our flagship Incubator programme aims to enable and accelerate solutions to our biggest issues faced by local social leaders. This annual business development fellowship for civil society organisations aims to strengthen organisational infrastructure to increase financial and non-financial capital readiness while improving stakeholder trust. We work with a maximum of ten Fellows, where the organisations gain business support, an ASPIRE certification and an opportunity for seed grant funding.
Winning an Incubator Fellowship will give you:
- The opportunity to apply for seed funding up to BDS $10,000
- Up to 18 months of one-on-one direct support from ASPIRE’s business leaders, valued at approx. $60,000
- Governance certification in 6 best practice non-profit standards
- Specially designed business and leadership training and coaching, from subject matter experts
- Networking opportunities
- Access to peers and social investors in the ASPIRE network
- Interactive peer learning environment
- Business tools and resources
Strategic Support for Social Leaders
Business support from our expert ASPIRE Consultants helps you improve how you operate in 5 key areas:
- Governance & Legal Compliance
- Financial Management & Accounting
- Business and Strategic Planning
- Human Resources
- Fund Raising and Proposal Writing
- Branding and Communications
The Standards
The Standards Programme is a quality assessment system that raises governance, leadership, and service standards among non-profits, charities, and social enterprises. It aims to help social leaders in Barbados and the wider Caribbean implement mandatory and best practice governance and leadership requirements for their jurisdiction and assist social investors (individuals, foundations, philanthropists, international agencies, etc.) in better identifying credible, high-impact social organisations in this region.
Standard 1
The Board meets its legal obligations, knows its role and acts with integrity.
Standard 2
There are fundamental financial procedures in place, and the organisation meets all legal requirements in relation to managing and reporting on money and resources.
Standard 3
The mission of the organisation is aligned with well defined, annual business objectives.
Standard 4
The organisation has adequate leadership and has a commitment to the organisation’s plans.
Standard 5
Fundraising practices are ethical and in line with the organisation’s mission, resources, and legal requirements.
Standard 6
The organisation has identified its stakeholders and key message(s) and can demonstrate its impact.
Ideal Applicants
Innovative
Values
Registered
High Potential
Fresh
Humanitarian
Issues We Support
Poverty
Food & agriculture
Health & wellbeing
Education
Civil & human rights
Work & economic growth
Critical populations
Arts & Culture
Environment
Meet The Alumni
Our Current Fellows
Application Details
Applications are open once annually. Submit your information here to be added to our mailing list for notification when call for applications is issued.
Eligibility
- be 18 years or older
- have an existing charity, non-profit or social enterprise registered in Barbados
- have clear idea to solve a defined social issue
- be a board member or founder of the applying organization
- have an existing charity, non-profit or social enterprise registered in Barbados
- be working on an issue we support
- be focused and committed
Testimonials
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The volunteer experience is rewarding beyond words, you can do something meaningful, meet people, learn something about yourself and even be made to stretch and go outside your comfort zone. I believe we all need to do our small part and not just say that it is worthy, will leave an impact and all the nice words - we need to actually contribute.
ASPIRE Volunteer 2016-2018
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A big thanks to Aspire. They have really moved us from a place of passion to a place of efficiency. I started this thing out of passion not understanding the overwhelming amount of work that has to go behind the scenes to sustain a legitimate charity.
ASPIRE Graduate 2020
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One of the most inspired, real activities for non-profits in Barbados for many years. You didn't throw money at the problem; you helped us find where the problem is and fixed it.
ASPIRE Graduate 2020