Founder Catalyst Program
Founder Catalyst Program
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Program Overview
Program Overview
The Founder Catalyst Program is a pioneering collaboration between the Haiti Business Accelerator (HBA) and the Harvard Business School (HBS) Foundry. Its purpose is to strengthen Haiti’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and unlock the potential of the nation’s next generation of business leaders.
This initiative is more than a training program; it is a bridge connecting Haitian innovation and global excellence. The Founder Catalyst Program identifies, supports, and equips visionary Haitian entrepreneurs who combine creativity and resilience to build ventures that deliver both profit and social impact. Participants are guided through a transformative experience that integrates Harvard’s AI-powered entrepreneurship platform with HBA’s deep local knowledge, mentorship network, and commitment to sustainable development.
The program’s mission is to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs capable of designing and leading scalable, impact-driven enterprises that advance inclusive economic growth, generate jobs, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of Haiti. Through this partnership, participants will not only gain technical and managerial skills but also the cultural confidence, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership needed to thrive in complex environments.
Participation in the Founder Catalyst Program is highly competitive and offered free of charge. Each application will be evaluated holistically, with attention to both the strength of the business concept and the personal qualities of the founder—including their vision, adaptability, and capacity to drive change. Final selection will be based on the comprehensive set of criteria outlined below.
Applications are now open for a select cohort of 30 high-potential Haitian founders to form the inaugural cohort of program participants.
Accepted applicants will gain free access to the HBS Foundry’s proprietary, AI-powered entrepreneurship platform to help build your successful venture.
Connect with executive mentors and advisors from the HBA Network and HBS alumni community and our Partner extensive network of Haitian Diaspora professionals.
Application
Application
Applications are now open for a select cohort of 30 high-potential Haitian founders to form the inaugural cohort of program participants.
Accepted applicants will gain free access to the HBS Foundry’s proprietary, AI-powered entrepreneurship platform to help build your successful venture.
Connect with executive mentors and advisors from the HBA Network and HBS alumni community and our Partner extensive network of Haitian Diaspora professionals.
Selection Criteria
Selection Criteria
Psychological & Cultural Resilience
A Psychological & Cultural Resilience Assessment will form part of the selection process to evaluate:
Grit and Persistence: The ability to persevere through obstacles and maintain motivation despite challenges.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The capacity to navigate complex social dynamics, communicate effectively, and build collaborative relationships.
Adaptability & Cultural Humility: Openness to feedback, respect for local knowledge, and a flexible mindset that values context-specific problem solving over rigid external formulas.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Commitment
A compelling vision for a business or venture addressing a real need in the Haitian market.
Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and long-term dedication to entrepreneurship as a vehicle for change.
Alignment between the founder’s purpose and the program’s mission of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Business / Venture Stage
Early-Stage, Post-Idea: The venture is beyond the concept stage, with a clear value proposition, defined target customer, and initial market validation (e.g., MVP, sign-ups, or customer interviews).
Pre-Seed / Seed Stage: The business may be pre-revenue or early-revenue and has not yet raised a significant institutional funding round.
Scalability: The venture demonstrates potential for meaningful growth and scale, beyond a small lifestyle enterprise.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
Originality and creativity in addressing Haiti’s development challenges.
Viable, locally grounded solutions that adapt proven models to the Haitian context.
Potential for measurable economic, social, or environmental impact.
Market & Impact Potential
High-Impact Sector: Preference for ventures in agriculture, agri-tech, technology, renewable energy, education, healthcare, or logistics.
Clear Market Opportunity: Demonstrated understanding of the problem being solved, customer needs, and target market size.
Job Creation: Clear potential to generate employment or contribute meaningfully to the Haitian economy.
Leadership and Team Capacity
Demonstrated leadership and teamwork ability.
Complementary team skills and capacity to execute core business functions.
Openness to mentorship, learning, and accountability.
Readiness to Engage
Commitment to active participation in all program modules and mentorship activities.
Willingness to share learning, collaborate with peers, and contribute to Haiti’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Technical & Logistical Requirements
Technology Access: Consistent access to a computer and reliable internet connection to fully engage in the virtual components and HBS Foundry platform.
English Proficiency: Professional working proficiency in English to engage effectively with platform resources and mentors.
Time Commitment: Ability to dedicate 10–15 hours per week for the full program duration, including workshops, mentoring, and independent assignments.
Strategic Alignment with the HBA Board
The HBA-HBS Foundry partnership is guided by the HBA Board of Directors composed of seasoned business leaders from Haiti and North America. Candidates’ success will be evaluated based on locally relevant metrics co-developed with the Board, emphasizing:
Job creation and inclusive economic participation.
Sustainable operational growth over externally imposed financial formulas.
Demonstrated alignment with the Board’s mentorship and milestone tracking system.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Applicants must be Haitian nationals or members of the Haitian diaspora leading ventures that directly benefit Haiti.
Founders must be 18 years or older and actively engaged in managing a venture that meets the business-stage criteria above.
The program language is English; proficiency in French and Haitian Creole is considered an asset.
Selection Process
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a joint committee of representatives from the Haiti Business Accelerator, Harvard Business School Foundry, and selected industry mentors. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview, pitch presentation, or resilience assessment.
Up to 30 founders will be selected for the inaugural cohort, which will begin in early 2026. Applications are now being accepted for the first cohort.
Contact Information
Contact Information
For additional information about this program, please contact:
Vladimir Labordes
CEO, Haitian Business Accelerator
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