Analyse des impacts, des défis et des opportunités des programmes d'incubation et d'accélération d’entreprises dans l'écosystème entrepreneurial haïtien : Cas des programmes« Haiti Startup Talent » et« BEL Initiative ».

Abstract

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is based on a set of interconnected players with complementary roles, who support the creation and growth of businesses. Each country has its own specific EE, shaped by local realities, which makes it necessary to adapt policies to support entrepreneurship. International cooperation programs must also integrate this contextual dimension by involving local players. Given the diversity of infrastructures, resources and institutional frameworks, it would be illusory to believe that a single policy is suitable for all countries. In this research, we focus on one of the key elements of EE: business incubation and acceleration programs, which are still new or in the experimental phase in Haiti, whereas they are highly developed in the United States, Canada and certain European countries. We analyze their relevance within the Haitian entrepreneurial ecosystem through the study of two cases: the Haiti Startup Talent program, funded successively by Fomento (San Sebastián City Council) for the 2018-2019 period, then by the IDB between 2021 and 2023, under the supervision of FAES; and the BEL Initiative program, led by the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia.

The methodology adopted is based on a quantitative approach, applied to two incubation programs in Haiti: Haiti Startup Talent and BEL Initiative. Out of a total population of 175 incubated start-ups, a sample of 96 respondents could be drawn from available entrepreneurs, due to constraints linked to insecurity and the mobility of beneficiaries. We therefore opted for accidental sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, distributed in Creole via various digital channels (email, social networks, messaging services). The questionnaire collected information on the perceived effects of the programs, as well as on the obstacles encountered. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistical methods, including flat sorting, cross sorting, frequency tables and graphical representations (diagrams, histograms). These techniques enabled general trends to be explored, sub-groups to be compared, and results to be interpreted more easily. Responses were cross-checked with program managers to ensure data reliability.

This study analyzes the impacts and opportunities of the Haiti Startup Talent and BEL Initiative incubation programs on young Haitian businesses between 2017 and 2023. Through a survey of 96 entrepreneurs, the results show that these programs promote the inclusion of young people (95% aged between 18 and 35), the partial empowerment of women (29% female participation), as well as legal formalization (54% of start-ups certified with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and the strengthening of entrepreneurial skills (67% of start-ups still active). Nevertheless, major challenges remain, including limited access to financing (17.7% received a grant after incubation), dependence on external funding, low capacity for skilled recruitment, and high vulnerability to economic crises and foreign competition.In addition, the study highlights several strategic opportunities for these programs in the Haitian entrepreneurial ecosystem: administrative formalization can be strengthened through increased legal support in conjunction with state institutions; the development of start-ups on a national and regional scale remains insufficient, despite strong potential for economic integration, notably via regional trade partnerships such as CARICOM; finally, digitalization, although partial, is progressing with widespread use of social networks and cloud solutions, offering significant leverage for the digital transformation of businesses.These results underline the need to adapt and expand incubation offerings around four complementary axes: legal formalization, territorial expansion and access to exports, and digital integration. These levers can help make programs more effective, sustainable and adapted to the realities and needs of Haitian start-ups. The results point to positive effects on the Haitian EE, notably in terms of legalization of incubated Startups, survival rates, digitalization, opening up to exports, and inclusion of young people in the formal economy. However, these programs face major challenges, such as socio-political and economic crises, as well as a lack of funding, which limit their effectiveness.This study explores the comparative impact of basic entrepreneurial programs and business incubation programs on the structuring, development and performance of start-ups. Through a survey of 96 entrepreneurs, it highlights the added value of incubation schemes in terms of technical skills acquisition, administrative formalization, access to financing and market conquest. The results show that, while basic programs play a role in triggering entrepreneurial initiatives, incubators provide more in-depth support, facilitating more sustainable and structured growth for young businesses.This research, while relevant in collecting data on the effects of incubation programs in Haiti, has certain methodological limitations, notably linked to the size of the sample and the declarative nature of the data. It underlines the absence of post-incubation follow-up mechanisms, which complicates the long-term evaluation of program impact. To gain a deeper understanding of their effectiveness, future studies are recommended: on sector-specific incubators, gender specificities, or by comparing supported and unsupported start-ups. These avenues would enable us to better adapt our support programs to Haiti's socio-economic realities and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the long term.