Minister of Education, Science and Technology Hon Daryll Matthew has reaffirmed the importance of creating greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs, highlighting access to finance, mentorship, and business support as critical to unlocking the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

Speaking at the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship (CYE) Summit 2026 , held at the Royalton Antigua Resort, Minister Matthew joined a panel of representatives from the banking sector, the credit union movement, and the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme to discuss practical ways of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

The summit brought together regional stakeholders to advance youth-led enterprise through collaboration, investment readiness, and innovation.

Reflecting on the discussions, Minister Matthew said:

“Our young people have the ideas, the talent and the determination to build successful businesses. Our responsibility is to ensure they have access to the financing, mentorship and opportunities needed to turn those ideas into thriving enterprises. When we invest in youth entrepreneurship, we invest in stronger communities, a more resilient economy, and the future of Antigua and Barbuda.”

Minister Matthew commended the organisers of the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Summit for creating an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and action, noting that partnerships between government, financial institutions and the private sector remain essential to fostering sustainable economic growth led by young entrepreneurs.