Written By Tracey Khan
In a world where entrepreneurship often requires more than just ambition to succeed, Dr. Nicole Grimes has created something many Caribbean founders once lacked: a community built on collaboration, visibility and shared growth.
As the founder of the Carib Biz Network(CBN), Dr. Grimes has developed one of the most dynamic ecosystems supporting Caribbean-owned businesses across the United States and the wider diaspora. Through curated events, strategic partnerships and hands-on marketing support, the platform has become a hub where entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators can connect, learn and scale their ideas.
“At its core, CBN is about creating space,” Grimes said. “Space for Caribbean founders to learn, connect and grow together.”
What began as a simple effort to bring Caribbean entrepreneurs into the same room has evolved into a thriving network that continues to expand its influence. Today, CBN connects professionals from across industries, from food and beverage founders to artists, creatives and emerging tech entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen their brands while navigating the competitive landscape of business ownership.
Grimes’ journey to building the organization is as remarkable as the platform itself. Trained as a mechanical and aerospace engineer, she later pivoted into education, dedicating more than two decades to shaping young minds as a physics teacher, college professor and high school principal.
Despite her success in academia and recognition as an award-winning writer, she felt called to a different challenge: creating pathways for Caribbean entrepreneurs to access the resources, opportunities and relationships needed to grow and succeed.
“I realized there were so many brilliant people building incredible things, but they were doing it in isolation,” she said. “I wanted to create a space where we could learn from each other and build together.”
That vision became Caribbean Business Network.
Since its launch, the organization has hosted a series of workshops, networking events and cultural activations designed to bring Caribbean professionals into spaces where meaningful partnerships and opportunities can flourish. Many businesses within the network have also received guidance on branding, digital strategy and marketing, tools that have helped founders strengthen their visibility and expand their reach.
For Grimes, however, the mission extends beyond business development. At its heart, CBN is about empowering a community that has long contributed to global culture and commerce but often lacked the infrastructure to amplify its entrepreneurial voices.
“We have incredible talent, creativity and resilience in our community,” she said. “The goal is to build an ecosystem where Caribbean businesses can flourish and create lasting opportunity.”
This month, the organization will also celebrate Women’s History Month with its signature event, “WI Bold + Beautiful Legacy 2026.” The gathering will take place March 22 from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Arches BK and will bring together Caribbean founders, creatives and cultural leaders for an afternoon centered on connection, celebration and dialogue.
Designed as an intimate experience, the event will feature curated wine tastings, women-led activations and meaningful conversations highlighting the contributions of Caribbean women in business and culture.
Another of the organization’s flagship initiatives, Eyeland Island Fest, celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month each June, showcasing Caribbean cuisine, music, art and entrepreneurship while strengthening connections across the diaspora.
She said these gatherings are more than events. They are spaces where ideas spark, collaborations begin and a new generation of Caribbean innovators can see themselves reflected in one another.
As Caribbean entrepreneurship continues to grow across the United States, the Caribbean Business Network is ensuring those founders are no longer building alone.
Instead, they are building together and with Dr. Nicole Grimes at the helm, the future of Caribbean business across the diaspora looks stronger than ever.
In 2025 alone, CBN has made a measurable impact, directly supporting 624 businesses and securing three major M/WBE certifications across New York City, New York State, and the Port Authority of NY/NJ. With more than 24 corporate and community partnerships, 27 curated events, and the launch of its first annual business pitch competition, CBN continues to position itself as a driving force for business growth and opportunity within the community.
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