The Caribbean business landscape witnessed a transformative gathering as entrepreneurs, students, and industry experts converged at the Finance Administrative Center in Point Seraphine for the groundbreaking Caribbean Franchising Summit 2026. Organized by BizConnect Caribbean—a Saint Lucia-based regional initiative dedicated to entrepreneurship and digital skills development—the three-day event from March 18-20 marked a significant milestone in regional economic education.
The summit provided comprehensive insights into franchising as both an expansion methodology and exit strategy for business owners. Through a structured three-day program featuring education sessions, deep-dive analyses, and legal awareness workshops, participants gained multidimensional understanding of this proven business model.
Michelle N. Samuel, Programme Lead and Founder of BizConnect Caribbean, identified critical knowledge gaps in regional understanding of franchising. “We consume brands daily but lack understanding of replication methodologies,” she explained. “This summit addressed that deficiency through strategic programming.”
Notable Barbadian participation included Shawna Rollins, Founder and CEO of successful franchise Delicious Treats, who emphasized franchising’s role in creating sustainable business legacies. “This model provides entrepreneurs with structured exit strategies, ensuring their hard work translates into long-term financial security,” Rollins stated.
Stephen Lashley, prominent lawyer and former government minister, highlighted regulatory considerations, noting: “While few Caribbean territories have specific franchise legislation, enormous opportunities exist for regional expansion and international market penetration.”
The event particularly engaged emerging business talent through BizConnect Caribbean’s partnership with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Student attendee Phoebe Popo described the experience as “amazing, insightful, and fundamentally inspiring,” noting the value of direct access to industry experts.
Organizers confirmed the summit’s inaugural success would establish an annual tradition, with future events rotating through different Caribbean islands to broaden regional impact. Several identified ‘franchise-ready’ businesses received personalized coaching sessions, signaling practical steps toward implementation.