Three Grenadian companies were among a select group of businesses from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) participating in the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) Summit held in London from 9–13 March during Commonwealth Week.
Grenada was represented by Green Feeds, SarGas, and Belmont Estate, which were selected following a competitive process that attracted 135 applications from businesses across the Commonwealth SIDS. Only 7 companies were ultimately chosen to participate in the inaugural accelerator programme.
The Pacific companies in the cohort included BildBeta from Vanuatu, an engineering and project-management firm focused on resilient infrastructure; Eagle Vetiver Systems from Papua New Guinea, specialising in vetiver-based land restoration and erosion control; OraSoil from Fiji, which converts coconut husks and other agricultural waste into sustainable fibre and soil products; and RecycleCorp from Vanuatu, which develops recycling and waste management solutions. Together, the cohort represents a diverse group of businesses developing practical solutions in areas such as renewable energy, soil restoration, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
The Commonwealth Investment Network was launched following the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and is implemented by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the UK Government and the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School. The programme is designed to help innovative businesses in small states strengthen their investment readiness while connecting them with global investors and strategic partners.
The initiative involved an intensive three-month accelerator programme during which the selected companies participated in workshops, advisory meetings, and preparation sessions focused on refining their business models and investment proposals. The London summit represented the culmination of that process, where the businesses presented their ventures during the CIN Investment Showcase and engaged with international investors, policymakers, and development partners.
Grenada’s participation in the programme was supported by the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC) and facilitated through the Office of the Commonwealth Resident Representative in Grenada. Resident Commissioner Victor Clarke played an important role in connecting Grenadian businesses with the Commonwealth Investment Network initiative and helping bring greater visibility to Grenadian entrepreneurs within the wider Commonwealth investment community.
Earlier this year, representatives of the Commonwealth Investment Network, including Laurie Hill, Neil Balchin, and Philippa Martinelli, travelled to Grenada, where they met with the selected companies, the Grenada Investment Development Corporation, and Resident Commissioner Victor Clarke to learn more about the businesses and the local investment landscape. The visit provided an opportunity for the CIN team to engage directly with Grenadian entrepreneurs, understand their operations, and strengthen collaboration with national partners supporting private sector development. Their engagement helped lay the groundwork for Grenada’s participation in the accelerator programme and the subsequent Investment Showcase in London.
Grenada’s 3 participating companies represent different areas of innovation and sustainable enterprise.
Green Feeds, led by Frank Cawkwell, focuses on converting waste streams into valuable products, including waste-to-energy solutions, animal feed, and fertiliser. The company’s work supports circular economy practices while helping reduce waste and improve resource efficiency within agricultural and environmental systems.
Cawkwell noted that the programme demonstrates the growing role of innovation emerging from small island states. “Small island economies face many environmental and economic challenges, but we are also developing practical solutions that can contribute to sustainability and resilience. Programmes like CIN help place those ideas on an international platform and connect entrepreneurs from small islands with partners who share that vision.”
SarGas, represented by Benjamin Nestorovic, is developing solutions to convert sargassum seaweed waste into renewable energy while also creating opportunities for farmers and helping address challenges facing the tourism sector and local communities by turning an environmental problem into a productive resource.
Nestorovic emphasised the importance of collaboration through the Commonwealth network. “One of the most valuable aspects of the programme has been the opportunity to engage with other entrepreneurs from small island economies facing similar challenges. Sharing ideas and experiences helps us see new possibilities and build relationships that can support future partnerships.”
At the London Investment Showcase, Grenada was also represented by His Excellency Ambassador Dr Richard Nixon and Cathy Ann Alexander-Pierre of the Grenada Investment Development Corporation, who attended in support of the Grenadian businesses and the country’s investment promotion efforts.
During Commonwealth Week, participants also attended discussions at Chatham House and engagements connected to the Sustainable Markets Initiative, where the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet His Majesty King Charles III and engage with international leaders supporting climate-focused investment and sustainable economic development.
Members of the cohort collectively expressed strong appreciation for the programme, highlighting the quality of the mentors, the organisation of the sessions, and the depth of preparation provided through the three-month accelerator. Participants described the programme as rigorous, well-structured, and highly effective in preparing small-state businesses to present confidently on the international stage.
Belmont Estate, represented by Managing Director Shadel Nyack Compton, is a historic agricultural estate in St Andrew that produces organic cocoa, chocolate, spices, and other value-added products while also operating an agritourism experience that connects visitors with Grenada’s farming heritage and rural communities.
Nyack Compton said the programme demonstrates the strength of entrepreneurship emerging from across the Commonwealth’s small island economies. “It has been inspiring to see the level of innovation coming from small island states. The programme provides a meaningful platform for businesses like ours to refine our ideas, build international connections, and show that sustainable agriculture and rural enterprises can be both impactful and commercially viable.”
Participants also noted that they intend to remain connected as a cohort and continue supporting one another’s ventures, recognising that the long-term success of the programme will depend not only on individual businesses but also on the collective progress of the group.
The CIN Accelerator Programme will continue supporting the participating companies through ongoing engagement with programme partners and investor networks as they advance their projects. For Grenada, participation in the programme highlights the strength of local entrepreneurship and the growing role of sustainable and climate-focused business initiatives in shaping the island’s economic future.
Further information about the Commonwealth Investment Network can be obtained through the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Belmont Estate
