our mission
Island Impact Fund exists to expand economic opportunity by supporting Cuban entrepreneurs who face significant barriers to accessing essential business resources.
We provide in-kind material support, practical training, mentorship, and international connections that help participants develop sustainable income-generating activities and strengthen their communities.
Our work promotes resilience, self-sufficiency, and social impact by supporting both business development and personal leadership growth.
Cuba’s private sector is relatively new. Private businesses were abolished in 1968, and only limited opportunities for independent economic activity have re-emerged over the past 15 years.
Today, entrepreneurs operate in a highly constrained environment characterized by:
Limited access to equipment and materials
Restricted financial systems and lack of credit access
Disrupted supply chains
Limited formal business training opportunities
Only recent expansion of mobile internet access
Despite these challenges, Cuban entrepreneurs continue to develop innovative, community-focused solutions. Many, however, lack access to the basic resources required to sustain or grow their activities.
Island Impact Fund was created to help bridge this gap by providing support that is otherwise unavailable.
The Context: An Emerging Private Sector
Who We Serve
We work with Cuban entrepreneurs and small businesses that demonstrate financial need and limited access to commercial or private financing.
Our programs prioritize individuals who would not otherwise be able to obtain the tools, materials, or guidance necessary to develop or sustain their economic activity.
What We Do
Our assistance focuses on building sustainable livelihoods through charitable, in-kind support.
We provide:
Material support such as equipment, tools, and essential supplies
Training and mentorship to strengthen business and leadership capacity
Market exposure and professional guidance that expand opportunities for sustainable growth
Ongoing program support designed to encourage long-term stability
All assistance is structured to support income-generating activity and community benefit.
How We Work
Island Impact Fund retains full discretion and control over all resources to ensure they are used exclusively for charitable purposes.
Participants are selected through a structured application and review process. Approved participants receive monitored support, mentorship, and follow-up to promote responsible use of resources and sustainable outcomes.
Our role is supportive and collaborative — empowering local entrepreneurs to lead their own initiatives while ensuring alignment with our charitable mission.
Program Approach
Provide Material Support
We supply essential equipment and materials that entrepreneurs cannot otherwise access, enabling productive economic activity.
Deliver Training and Mentorship
Participants receive structured training opportunities and mentorship relationships that strengthen skills, leadership, and operational capacity.
Expand Access to Opportunities
We help entrepreneurs connect with professional networks and opportunities that support sustainable development.
Foster Long-Term Relationships
We cultivate ongoing collaboration between Cuban entrepreneurs and international supporters to encourage knowledge exchange and mutual learning.
Promote Social Impact
Supported activities are encouraged to generate positive community benefit alongside economic stability.
Strengthen Resilience
Our programs emphasize adaptability, responsible management, and long-term sustainability.
Our Guiding Principles
Local Leadership
Projects are shaped by local participants who define their own priorities. Our organization provides support while respecting community knowledge and autonomy.
Transparency and Accountability
All activities operate under clear procedures, documented oversight, and regular review to maintain strong standards of governance and compliance.
Our board is composed of experienced professionals committed to advancing the organization’s charitable mission. The board provides governance, oversight, and strategic guidance to ensure that all programs operate in accordance with charitable purposes, maintain organizational accountability, and responsibly steward donated resources for community benefit.
Board & Committee
Be Part of the Story.
Every donation fuels an idea, every project transforms a community, and every entrepreneur represents Cuba’s resilient future.