ICT\/tech businesses are frequently considered risky ventures, for which the entrepreneur or business owner receives little support. Caribbean BETA 2012, which will be held on 16 November in Jamaica, will be highlighting identified demands or deficiencies in key sectors, and the resulting business opportunities in the Internet space.<\/em><\/p>\n
Although tech businesses fail for many reasons, but one of the major ones, which is frequently realised well after considerable time and money have been invested, is that the concept might not have been viable in the first place. Caribbean BETA 2012<\/a>, the annual tech entrepreneurship conference that is now in its second year, will be offering some insight into some potentially lucrative tech opportunities that could be harnessed, particularly in the Caribbean.<\/p>\n
In individual countries across the Caribbean, governments are typically the largest employer and the largest procurer of goods and services. However, they are continually being challenged to, among other things: streamline processes; become more efficient, effective and innovative; foster engagement, and to be more user-friendly for all stakeholders.<\/p>\n
The panel discussion, \u201cWhen technology meets a Government\u201d<\/em>, <\/strong>will highlight ways in which technology can be used to help governments solve many of the problems they are facing, e.g.:<\/p>\n
![\"Lascoo.co.nz\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/latest-mobile-phones-Lascoo.co_.nz_2.jpg\" "\\"latest-mobile-phones")
<\/a>The proliferation of mobile\/cellular phones across the Caribbean (and worldwide), provides a unique and opportunity to interface with virtually every citizen within a particular country, or even in the region. The panel discussion, \u201cMobile – a phenomenal Caribbean opportunity\u201d<\/em>, will be answering questions, such as:<\/p>\n
Increasingly, many countries in the region are using cultural events and activities to attract investment and revenue, but little attention has been given to using technology in the Creative Industries and the Internet to drive wealth creation.<\/p>\n
![\"http:\/\/caribbeanbeta.com\/\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Mike-Johns-Caribbean-BETA.png\" "\\"Mike")
<\/a>The keynote speaker for Caribbean BETA 2012 is Mike Johns, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Mind State<\/a>, based in Los Angeles, California. Although he might not be well known within the Caribbean, Mike is widely respected internationally for helping global brands marry hip-hop culture and wireless (especially mobile\/cellular) technology. Mike\u2019s talk will be on, \u201cReggae Music 2.0: How will it succeed in the Digital Age of Music, Brand, Culture\u201d<\/em>, will focus on the business of reggae music, and how this genre can fulfil its potential in this digital age.<\/p>\n
One of the challenges frequently highlighted by Caribbean entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in the tech space, is the limited avenues for financing in the region. However, as was noted in one of our posts, 6 reasons why Caribbean tech start-ups cannot access funding<\/em><\/strong>, there are variety of reasons entrepreneurs or businesses are unable to access what little is available. In the last panel discussion of the day on \u201cFunding entrepreneurship and innovation<\/em>\u201d, a broad range of expertise, including entrepreneurs, incubator managers and investors, have been assembled to discuss how to find, fund and nurture the next big Caribbean Tech Entrepreneur.<\/p>\n
Finally, and similar to last year, the Caribbean BETA PitchFest will be the highlight of the event. \u00a0The PitchFest will give budding and established entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch a new business idea or an existing prototype that uses the Internet, mobile or social media platforms. \u00a0As at posting, 13 teams have committed, and the deadline for registration is Monday 12, November.<\/p>\n
Unlike last year where the prizes were primarily cash and mobile\/cellular devices, through the PitchFest, Caribbean BETA is focussed on facilitating tech entrepreneurship success stories. Hence, in addition to bragging rights, this year\u2019s winners will receive some of the support they will need to realise viable businesses, such as:<\/p>\n
For those who will be in Kingston on 16 November and are interested in attending Caribbean BETA 2012, the event website<\/a> has the requisite details, and up to the minute developments can be followed on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n
ICT Pulse will also be Caribbean BETA 2012, so please feel free to drop by and say hi.<\/p>\n
Image credits: Caribbean BETA<\/a>, \u00a0Lascoo<\/a>;\u00a0 Caribbean BETA<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
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![\"http:\/\/caribbeanbeta.com\/\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Caribbean-BETA-logo.jpg\" "\\"Caribbean"){kind=logo}
<\/a>We have all heard it before, and by now take it for granted, life, as we know it \u2013 both personal and professional \u2013 has irrevocably changed thanks to the Internet. While many among us are working valiantly to build businesses or deliver services that use technology, the extent to which they are successful is often hit or miss.<\/p>\n