Consultant for Continued Implementation & Growth of the Incubator & Accelerator Programmes

Terms of Reference

1. BACKGROUND

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the economic and social development of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) by contributing to innovation, employment generation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction. Invest Turks and Caicos offers comprehensive Business Support to MSMEs across the TCI.

In 2023/24, Invest TCI successfully launched its first Incubator and Accelerator Programmes. Building on the lessons learned from the first cohort, there is a strategic intention to continue and strengthen both programmes. This TOR seeks consultancy support to guide a structured three-year implementation cycle (2026–2029), ensuring long-term sustainability, improved impact, and deeper integration within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 

2. OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to continue the implementation of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ incubator and accelerator programmes over a three-year period, with one cohort of each programme delivered annually. Building on the foundation and lessons from the first cohort, this project will:

• Strengthen programme delivery and institutional capacity within Invest TCI.

• Enhance knowledge transfer to local coaches, mentors, and staff.

• Deepen the impact of business support services for startups and high-growth MSMEs.

• Ensure programme sustainability and foster stronger linkages with regional and international partners.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Conducting a kick-off meeting with Invest TCI and stakeholders to align goals, outcomes, and implementation approach.

• Developing an updated programme framework and curriculum, integrating lessons learned from the first cohort.

• Coordinating the delivery of the planned curriculum and mentorship sessions for both programmes.

• Delivering three incubator/accelerator cohorts, one per year.

• Providing ongoing knowledge transfer and team support.

• Expanding local business coaching and mentorship capacity, ensuring structured knowledge transfer.

• Designing and executing recruitment and outreach campaigns for each cohort, including information sessions and workshops.

• Implementing mentorship sessions, workshops, and tailored business development support.

• Developing and deploying a Packaging Accelerator programme to support businesses in branding, product readiness, and market access.

• Providing marketing and communications support for social campaigns.

• Conducting stakeholder mapping for partnership development.

• Monitoring programme performance and delivering mid-term and end-of-cohort evaluations.

• Facilitating knowledge transfer to Invest TCI staff to ensure sustainability beyond the consultancy period.

• Conducting weekly meetings with Invest TCI to maintain the project’s schedule and address challenges.

• Traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands to assess project parameters first-hand and support programme continuity.

4. DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

• Project Plan and Timeline

• Programme Framework and Curriculum (updated per cohort)

• Local Coaching and Mentorship Framework

• Recruitment and Outreach Campaign Report

• Participation Onboarding Packages

• Cohort Delivery Reports (Three Total)

• Mid-term Assessment Reports

• Packaging Accelerator Programme Design and Deployment Plan

• Marketing and Communications Toolkit

• Stakeholder Mapping and Partnership Development Report

• Progress and Coordination Reports

• Travel and Field Visit Reports

• Final Programme Evaluation and Handover Report

• Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building Plan

5. TIMELINE

The project is expected to commence on February 9, 2026, and conclude on March 31, 2029.

• Year 1: Framework update, recruitment, delivery of Cohort 2 (Incubator + Accelerator).

• Year 2: Delivery of Cohort 3 and programme refinement.

• Year 3: Delivery of Cohort 4, final evaluation, and sustainability/exit planning.

6. QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience designing and implementing incubator and/or accelerator programmes.

• Proven record of developing curriculum, mentorship models, and business development frameworks.

• Strong experience in knowledge transfer and capacity building.

• Demonstrated ability to work in small island or emerging market contexts.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Fluency in English.

• Willingness to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands for programme support and evaluation.

7. REPORTING

The project manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY

The project manager will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before commencing work. All related information and documents will be treated as confidential and may not be disclosed to any third party without prior written consent of Invest Turks and Caicos.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants (established incubators and accelerators) are invited to submit a proposal with:

1. A cover letter explaining eligibility for the assignment and interpretation of the tasks.

2. Proposed methodology and timeframe for developing the framework, curriculum, and launching the incubator and accelerator.

3. CV or profile of project manager, including a reverse chronological list of similar projects/assignments and contact details (name, email/phone) of clients.

4. Financial proposition with expected remuneration.

Consultants may request clarification on the Terms of Reference up to five (5) days before the proposal submission date. Any request for clarification must be sent via electronic mail.

The application package should be submitted to acooper@investturksandcaicos.tc
Deadline for submission: November 13, 2025