The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), with financial support from the Government of Germany through KfW and the European Union, supported the Creative Business Academy & Cup 2026 in Guatemala City, organized by PRODETUR from June 15 to 19, 2026, according to a press release. The backing was channeled through the DINAMICA II Initiative, implemented by CABEI, with the aim of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the orange economy in Guatemala. The event brought together startups, training providers, and potential investors. It marked the ninth edition of the competition. The initiative reinforces a collaborative approach to fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The Creative Business Academy & Cup 2026 is a competition designed to promote innovation, business development, and to connect startups with training, investment, and access to international markets. It aligns with the 360-degree approach of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes strategic investments contributing to countries’ development. The event focuses on ventures operating within the orange economy. PRODETUR served as the organizing entity. The activities took place over five days in Guatemala.
Twenty-five Guatemalan startups participated in this ninth edition, working in sectors such as design, gastronomy, fashion, creative tourism, audiovisual production, and technological development. Their proposals were selected for generating economic, social, environmental, and cultural impact. Participants engaged in structured activities throughout the week. The competition emphasized both creative content and viable business models. The diversity of sectors reflected the breadth of Guatemala’s creative industries.
During the process, participants received 32 hours of specialized training, networking opportunities, and guidance to strengthen their entrepreneurial and innovation skills. The top selected startups will participate in a national competition to choose the three winning projects. The winning startup will represent Guatemala in the global finals of the Creative Business Cup, to be held in Denmark. The DINAMICA II Initiative provided sponsorship aimed at raising the profile of the event and recognizing the three winning startups. This support reaffirms the initiative’s commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable startups.
The collaboration brings together CABEI, KfW, and the European Union in backing ventures that contribute to local development and generate a positive impact in their communities. The DINAMICA II Initiative continues to focus on the orange economy in Guatemala. Selected startups will advance to the national stage of the competition. One winner will move on to the global finals in Denmark. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship.
