Not another talk shop.
Work on your actual business, make real decisions, and leave with a business model you can use.
JumpSTART Incubator 2026 Cohort 2
Turn your business idea into something real.
JumpSTART is a practical 10-week incubator for young entrepreneurs ready to test, build, and confidently pitch a stronger business. Space is limited, so apply now!
Format: Primarily Virtual (via Zoom) with in-person meetups
Days & Times: Mondays & Thursdays 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Sessions Start: Oct 5th 2026
Applications close 18 September 2026
TT$500
Refundable commitment payment
Returned in full when you successfully graduate.
What you will gain
JumpSTART Your Business with a clearer path forward.
The YBTT JumpSTART Incubator empowers young entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) from Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. Our intensive, cohort-based program typically launches twice annually.
01
Build a business that makes sense
Turn your idea into a clear business model grounded in real customer needs.
02
Learn by doing
Work through practical tools, guided exercises and live business challenges.
03
Get expert guidance
Receive feedback from experienced facilitators, mentors and business professionals.
04
Pitch with confidence
Shape your story, numbers and next steps into a compelling final business pitch.
Who Should Apply
This is for builders, not spectators.
You do not need to have everything figured out. You do need to be ready to show up, test your assumptions and do the work.
- You are 18–35 and based in Trinidad and Tobago
- You have a business idea or an early-stage business
- You can commit to the full programme and assignments
- You are open to feedback, experimentation and change
- You want to build a profitable, sustainable business
Application Timeline
Know what happens next
A clear path from application to the first week of JumpSTART.
01 Submit your application [3rd Aug – 18 Sep]
Tell us about your business, the work you have done, and why JumpSTART is right for you.
02 Application Review [17th Aug – 21st Sep]
During the Application Period, you will receive a call from the YBTT Team.
03 Cohort Announced [Oct 1st]
Successful applicants and reserve candidates are contacted with their next steps.
04 JumpSTART Begins [Week of 5 Oct]
The 10-week practical business-building experience gets underway.
05 After Selection [Week of 5 Oct]
Training runs October–December 2026, followed by pitching and graduation in January 2027 and post-training mentorship from February–April 2027.
Before You Start
A simple application. Honest answers.
We are not expecting a polished business plan. We want to understand where you are, what you have already tried and whether you are ready to put in the work.
- Your current stage: concrete idea, hobby, prototype or operating for 1–2 years
- A clear description of your business or business idea
- What you have already done to develop or test it
- Why JumpSTART is the right fit for you now
- Any challenges that may affect your ability to commit
TT$500
Your Commitment, Returned
Graduate, and you get it all back.
Selected participants make a TT$500 commitment payment before the programme begins. It is not a tuition fee. The full amount is refunded when you successfully graduate from JumpSTART.
Good to Know
Questions before you apply?
Here are the honest answers to the questions most applicants ask.
Do I need an established business?
No. JumpSTART is designed for people with a promising idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen what they have started.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no programme fee. Selected participants make a TT$500 commitment payment, which is fully refunded when they successfully graduate from JumpSTART.
Does every participant receive a grant?
No. Selected graduates may become eligible for micro-grant support based on the programme’s criteria, participation requirements and final assessment.
What commitment is expected?
You should be ready to attend 70% of sessions, complete practical assignments, test your ideas and actively work on your business throughout the programme.
Your Next Move
Your business will not build itself.
Take the first step. Apply for the Mercy Corps-supported JumpSTART cohort.
Have Questions or Need More Information?
Email: training@ybtt.org | WhatsApp: 1-868-739-4730
Testimonials
“This course is so great that I've continuously encouraged everyone that I know with a small business to sign up. It honestly does not matter where you currently are on your entrepreneurial journey. The assistance and knowledge you gain takes you from idea/concept, straight through to execution. It is content packed. It provides you with in-depth knowledge of the business pillars that can be utilized as a guide for your business. I can assure you that you will get way more than your money's worth for this course. If you're reading this and you are thinking about signing up, stop thinking and just do it. You will not regret this investment in your business and yourself.”
~ Sian
JumpSTART Alumni
“When I began this training, I was seeking guidance. I had no idea how to begin a business but I know I wanted to. The Jumpstart experience took the confusion from within me and guided me to make structured steps, all set out on paper, to build a business that is all me that also serves others.”
~ Kasha
JumpSTART Alumni
“I’ve always wanted to start a business but didn’t know where to start; when I saw the ad for the JumpSTART training I knew it was an ideal platform for me to explore my business idea.”
~ Bernice
JumpSTART Alumni
"The programme open my eyes about other aspects about business I didn't have a clue about."
~ Junior
JumpSTART Alumni
"The programme open my eyes about other aspects about business I didn't have a clue about."
~ Junior
JumpSTART Alumni
"JumpSTART did just what the name suggests, I was at a point in my business where I did not know where to turn, after joining this program and apply each step back into the business I saw the flaws in my method and I was able to work to improve the business as the class went along."
~ Thandiwe
JumpSTART Alumni
Explore the Journeys of Our JumpSTART Alumni!
Discover the dedication, innovation, and growth our participants experience from our recent cohorts.
COHORT 2 IS POWERED BY
MERCY CORPS, a global organization working on the frontlines of economic development, powers the YBTT JumpSTART Incubator. Their support strengthens young enterprise competitiveness, workforce readiness, and sustainable growth across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. Mercy Corps partners with local organizations to address structural barriers for small businesses, providing practical tools, dedicated mentorship, and catalytic support to build enterprise resilience. Local vision matters. Mercy Corps remains committed to backing young entrepreneurs and expanding economic participation across Caribbean communities.
With Gratitude to Our 2026 Sponsors!
The YBTT JumpSTART Incubator is made possible through the generous and sustained support of our corporate sponsors and partners. Their commitment helps us empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
Partner with us to sponsor this programme. Send us an email: entrepreneur@ybtt.org
