Bridging Dreams: Anya Ayoung-Chee's Nudge Creates a Caribbean Ecosystem for Entrepreneurial Success

Host Richard Zwicky has a conversation with Anya Ayoung-Chee, the co-founder of Nudge, an innovative ecosystem designed to support Caribbean entrepreneurs. Nudge serves as a vital community, providing resources, support, camaraderie, and guidance to entrepreneurs in the region. Anja, a design strategist, social entrepreneur, and Project Runway Season 9 winner, is deeply passionate about her native Caribbean and has dedicated herself to driving social innovation in the region. The conversation delved into Anja's background in design thinking and her journey from being a fashion designer to becoming a key player in entrepreneurship. The idea for Nudge emerged in 2017 when Anja fortuitously met her co-founder, Julie Avey, an executive at Massey, one of the Caribbean's largest conglomerates. The collaboration between Anja and Julie, with their diverse backgrounds, mirrors the bridging role that Nudge plays in connecting entrepreneurs with established companies. Nudge has grown to encompass 150 to 200 entrepreneurs across three islands, addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. Anja highlighted the limited access to markets, networking, and opportunities in comparison to more developed regions. The launch of Nudge in the midst of the 2020 pandemic emphasized the importance of mental well-being in entrepreneurship, acknowledging the emotional and mental impact of global challenges. The platform aims to not only develop skills but also to break down barriers, providing a direct bridge between innovative entrepreneurs and established companies in the Caribbean.