CITI's business acceleration program for entrepreneurs with an existing business of 0 to 3 years: expert coaching, practical workshops and a pitch competition. The 2026 group started on 9 September; the Pitch Competition Finals take place at the Curaçao Innovation Hub on 17 December 2026.
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Startup Launchpad is an intensive business acceleration program by CITI, the Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute, designed for entrepreneurs with an existing business. Throughout the program, participants work alongside experienced business coaches and industry experts to strengthen every aspect of their company, from strategy and finance to branding, marketing and growth, and leave with practical tools, valuable insights and a clear roadmap for their business.
The 2026 group started on 9 September 2026 and meets at CITI. Applications for this round are closed. Sessions cover business strategy, customer growth, marketing and branding, financial planning, pricing strategies, sales techniques, digital tools and AI, business operations, pitching and growth planning. Every session is practical, interactive and immediately applicable to the participants' businesses.
The program closes with the Startup Launchpad Pitch Competition, where the group pitches to a jury and competes for business support prizes. The 2026 Finals are hosted at the Curaçao Innovation Hub, Villa Maria, Scharloo, on 17 December 2026.
Startup Launchpad was launched in September 2017 by CITI and the Ministry of Economic Development, with EU financing through OCTA. HQ Rental Software won the first edition; the 2024 and 2025 editions focused on tourism. 2026 is the fifth edition.
Sep 2026
The fifth Startup Launchpad group begins its coaching and workshop programme at CITI. Applications for this round are closed.
Dec 2026
The 2026 group pitches to the jury at Villa Maria, Scharloo, and competes for business support prizes. Programme and time to be announced.
Entrepreneurs in Curaçao with an existing business between 0 and 3 years old who want to grow their customer base, increase sales and profitability, build a stronger business strategy, improve their marketing and branding, and are committed to taking their business to the next level with guidance from experienced professionals. The 2026 round is closed; ask CITI about the next group.
No. The 2026 group started on 9 September and applications for this round are closed. Ask CITI about the next group via citi.cw/contact.
The 2026 group meets at CITI. The Pitch Competition Finals on 17 December 2026 are hosted at the Curaçao Innovation Hub, Villa Maria, Scharloo.
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