KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Creative has launched the Createch Incubator, a new programme designed to equip early-stage creative entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to build innovative, impact-driven ventures that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies.

Recognising the significant role of Jamaica’s creative economy, which contributes an estimated $107 billion annually, or 5.1 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the organisation said the incubator targets entrepreneurs across the cultural and creative industries. Eligible sectors include film, literature, visual and performing arts, fashion, crafts, music, and festivals.

The initiative is being delivered through Conecta Caribbean, a programme of the CARIBEquity Facility that is co-funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab and the European Union.

Over the course of four months, participants will receive training in key areas such as problem identification, customer discovery, value proposition development, business model design, and financial sustainability.

The programme will also provide practical instruction in AI and emerging digital technologies, enabling creatives to integrate innovation into their business operations and growth strategies.

Createch forms part of a wider regional effort that brings together entrepreneurship support organisations (ESOs) across 15 Caribbean countries in a shared incubation experience. Running from July to November 2026, the programme will feature training sessions, mentorship opportunities and a culminating “Demo Day”.

Demo Day is a pitch competition in which selected graduates will present their ventures to investors, ecosystem partners and regional stakeholders for a chance to secure grant funding to support their businesses.

Participation is free for all successful applicants. Benefits include one-on-one mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to the Bridge for Billions digital platform, a structured online curriculum, capacity-building workshops, cohort learning sessions, and opportunities to connect with a regional network of entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem partners.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Conecta Caribbean initiative, which is helping to standardise startup training across the region,” said Bianca Welds, Kingston Creative’s new head of projects and partnerships.

“Createch is the only creative industry incubator in this cohort and Jamaican creatives will benefit tremendously from the regional reach of the programme,” she added.

Applications are now open and will close on June 30, 2026.