Unite BVI officially launched The VI Purpose Fund and with it, it’s 2025 Impact Challenge. The fund is Unite BVI’s flagship initiative to support entrepreneurs with bold ideas to protect the environment and build a thriving Virgin Islands.
The Challenge offers up to $200,000 in funding and a year of business incubation and acceleration support for selected awardees whose businesses contribute to environmental resilience, coastal sustainability, and community wellbeing.
The theme for the 2025 Impact Challenge is centered around ocean health and invites entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers across the territory to submit purpose-driven solutions in four strategic environmental impact areas: Sustainable Fisheries, Eco-Tourism, Coastal Resilience, and Eco-Waste Management. Phase 1 of the Applications Process opens today, June 1, and closes on July 14, 2025. The VI Purpose Fund is supported by Virgin Unite, the independent non-profit foundation of the Branson Family and Virgin Group, and Rick Kearney, an impact investor and member of Virgin Unite’s community.
“The Virgin Islands is more ocean than land. Our future depends on how we care for and invest in the sea,” said Kim Takeuchi, Executive Director of Unite BVI.
Sir Richard Branson, VI Purpose Fund supporter and judge, emphasized the global significance of local action. “Some of the world’s boldest ideas come from small islands. The VI Purpose Fund is an invitation for entrepreneurs to step up and create real solutions that can have a ripple effect far beyond the BVI.”
The VI Purpose Fund aligns with the Virgin Islands’ Blue Economy Strategy’ and supports the Government’s vision for sustainable development. The Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands, welcomed the initiative. “There is no talk about the BVI without talking about our seas. The ocean is central to our way of life and our economy, particularly tourism. I applaud Unite BVI and its partners for investing in innovation to empower our people and protect our future.”
Finalists will be announced in October, after undergoing a rigorous Selection Process with a culminating Pitch Event held on Necker Island in November. The Selection Committee and Judges on the Judging Panel for the pitch event include Sir Richard Branson, impact investor Rick Kearney, and leaders in ocean conservation and entrepreneurship from the BVI and worldwide. Selected awardees will receive funding and access to expert coaching, visibility, and support to scale their businesses over the next 12 months.
“We are looking for big ideas; ones that are solvable, measurable, and scalable,” said Rick Kearney. “Our goal is to help turn those ideas into action, right here where they matter most.”
For more information and to apply, visit www.vipurposefund.org.