NAAHP Blog

Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA) is launching the “HRA INVESTOR TANK: IGNITING DIASPORA INNOVATION,” an initiative offering diaspora organizations with existing projects in Haiti an opportunity to pitch their concepts to a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) during a live virtual event for a chance to win a $150,000 USD. As part of this initiative, HRA is recruiting diaspora organizations with projects in Agribusiness, Health and Shelter (housing development) to participate for a chance to win. Fifteen (15) finalists will be selected to pitch their projects at the live virtual event to be held in OCTOBER 2021. During the event, the TEC will select three winners—one from each sector—based on feasibility, scalability, and impact. Winners will be awarded $150,000 USD each to implement their respective project in Haiti. The Haitian diaspora community at large is also invited to join and vote for their favorite projects during the live virtual event.

Diaspora organizations working in Haiti have a huge opportunity to benefit from this initiative. This model follows HRA’s signature “Investor Tank” series, inspired by the hit show “Shark Tank.” HRA’s “Investor Tank” has been a constant feature of its annual expo and conference. The “Investor Tank” targets diaspora organizations with existing businesses or development projects, seeking funds from grantors, diaspora investors, or venture capitalists. “HRA has been partnering for years with donors and other humanitarian actors to leverage resources for business development in Haiti”, says Magalie Emile-Backer, HRA Vice-President and Co-Founder.

Nonprofit, as well as for-profit, diaspora organizations are invited to apply to be on the HRA INVESTOR TANK: IGNITING DIASPORA INNOVATION for a chance to be selected to pitch your projects. Applicants must adhere to the eligibility requirements outlined in the competition guidelines published on HRA’s website

Click here for more information

Key Dates

• July 1, 2021: Application window opens
• August 15, 2021: 15 finalists invited to pitch are announced (5 in each sector)
• October 2021: Virtual pitch event
• November 2021: Winners announced

This initiative is presented and funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance through its Diaspora Partnership Accelerator (DPA).

About Haiti Renewal Alliance

HRA is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development, investment, donor advocacy, local and government consultations on shaping engagement policies across the disaster and development spaces for Haiti. HRA facilitates innovative development strategies and planning throughout the Caribbean and within its Diaspora communities by leveraging financial, human and social capital to support economic development. To learn more about our global partnerships and who we are visit www.haitirenew.org