Dr. Nicole Grimes, CEO and founder of Carib Biz Network (CBN), stands at the forefront of empowering Caribbean entrepreneurs in New York City through a series of impactful events and partnerships. Established as a pivotal hub for aspiring and micro-turbine founders, CBN aims to support, connect, and amplify these entrepreneurs, guiding them through the complexities of their business journeys.
Recently, CBN, a small business mixer, collaborated with JP Morgan for the Caribbean American Heritage Month event, ‘Chase Windows of Opportunity.’ Speaking passionately about the event, Dr. Grimes highlighted CBN’s role in curating events throughout the year, both virtual and in-person, tailored specifically for Caribbean business owners. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for learning about financial opportunities, homeownership, and strategies to leverage capital effectively, ultimately aiming to bridge the racial wealth gap.
“We’re hosting this financial literacy-focused event for small business owners, featuring marketplaces to highlight Caribbean-owned brands. The response has been incredibly positive and encouraging, and we’re eager to continue. It’s important to recognize that we can define success in our lives. We don’t have to limit ourselves to one path; we can pursue multiple endeavors and succeed in various ways. We should also consider our legacy — what we leave behind for our children, community, and family back home, not just through our work but through our service and contributions,” Dr. Grimes added.
Dr. Grimes, a Trinidadian immigrant, brings a unique perspective to her role as the leader of initiatives that uplift Caribbean business owners. She shared, “Having grown up following the conventional path to success, I understand the importance of creating a space where diverse entrepreneurial talents can thrive.” Reflecting on her journey from a successful corporate career to founding CBN, she emphasized the community’s positive response and the impact of their recent Eyeland Fest events during Caribbean Heritage Month.
The Eyeland Fest, a series of seven events, celebrated Caribbean culture and entrepreneurship across various interests and communities. The festivities, from beauty and wellness showcases to networking opportunities and financial literacy workshops, underscored the breadth and depth of Caribbean influence in New York City. The overwhelming success of these events is a testament to the impact of CBN’s initiatives.
Looking ahead, Dr. Grimes expressed optimism for CBN’s continued growth and its role in redefining success within the Caribbean community. She concluded, “We have the agency to shape our definitions of success and leave a lasting impact for future generations.” This reiterates CBN’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence and community prosperity under the visionary leadership of Dr. Grimes.
During the presentation, Akim Jones, a Senior Business Consultant at Chase, outlined various strategies for small businesses to utilize business loans effectively and participate in city contract bidding. Additionally, he addressed diversity supplier programs and highlighted talent acquisition opportunities.
Kaleb Lewis, owner of Infinite Wealth Strategies, discussed the challenges faced by small business owners and emphasized the significance of collaboration in overcoming these obstacles and achieving success.
Chase’s Community Manager, Natasha Castillo moderated the mixer, which was held at the bank’s Valley Stream, Long Island branch.
