Supporting Puerto Rico-based businesses looking to attract capital.
Unlock Capital is a program for founders and executives in growth-oriented businesses. Unlock Capital offers education, mentoring, technical assistance, and other services to help businesses attract investors and raise capital.
We evaluate companies and applications on an annual basis. The Unlock Capital 2022 and 2023 Cohorts have raised more than $5M collectively during and after the program. The 2024 Cohort will kick off in March.
Because of our experience and focus on venture capital and private equity investments, CDVCA has a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare businesses to raise capital effectively. Help us spread the word about this program supported by Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing’s Small Business Incubator and Accelerator Program through 2025.
Unlock Capital. Invested in Your Growth.
2023 Cohort
Welding supplies company engaged in the exclusive distribution of industrial and commercial welding products and brazing needs.
LG Sales and Service Representative of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for PR and the Caribbean.
Developer of digital tools and algorithms to automate administrative processes and repetitive tasks.
Fresh pasta manufacturing and distribution company based in Mayaguez, PR.
Exclusive line of wine-based gelato (Italian-style ice cream) infused with different fruits and spices.
Marketplace that facilitates the process of looking for humane and professional caregivers for family and loved ones.
Cybersecurity software that offers customers Data Protection and Risk Management.
Novel temperature-control technologies to safely store and transport medications, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive components.
Online marketplace that connects Latino writers and readers across the world.
Biotech company based in PR dedicated to developing anticancer drugs for metastasis inhibition and tumor growth regression.
First local 100% plant based and gluten free ice cream and dessert shop in Puerto Rico.
Unique Mexican culinary experience where customers can enjoy top-quality food cooked with local fresh ingredients.
Color-coded organizational notebook system and tools that promote the development of executive functions in an easy and efficient way.
Designer, manufacturer, and distributer of prefabricated and modular structures that are assembled without screws or welding.
2022 Cohort
Farm Operation Management Software that helps farmers manage all their operational data in one place.
Agribusiness growing and processing breadfruit gluten free flours.
Super-premium rum brand handmade in the mountains of Jayuya, Puerto Rico.
Mobile app that gives users situational awareness of their surroundings to help keep them safe.
Platform that uses a match making algorithm to connect businesses with curated freelancers.
E-commerce company that connects the specialty coffee growers of Puerto Rico to consumers around the world.
Mobile app for B2C last-mile food and products delivery and B2B on-demand logistics.
Agribusiness that creates products such as gluten free bread and croutons using breadfruit from their farm in Utuado.
Manufacturer of health (disinfectants, detergents, hand sanitizer) and food (seasoning blends, vanilla flavor, vinegar) products for wholesale and private labels.
Food manufacturer for corn tortillas and chips under the "Doña Lola" brand serving the foodservice, retail, and direct- to-customer markets.
Creators of INNOVATIO ND2TM, a test that identifies the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease to help avoid dialysis treatment.
SaaS pricing and revenue management analytics platform for property managers of short- term rentals.
CaaS (Community as a Service) platform connecting more than one million users to the products that inspire them.
Agribusiness focused on value- added and manufacturing of frozen food products from the west side of Puerto Rico.
Domestic, commercial, and industrial recycling services of organic residuals to create compost and circular economy products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Unlock Capital do?
Unlock Capital offers a suite of services, including education, technical assistance, networking and mentoring, for businesses seeking high-level support to attract growth capital.
Unlock Capital features industry leaders and experts who provide workshops, webinars and one-on-one mentoring, including determining financial needs (i.e., raising the right investment capital), where to look for capital, fundraising strategies, due diligence, investment risk mitigation, investment terms negotiation, financial modeling and presenting financial data, the art of pitching, among others. All services are tailored to individual business needs and are subject to change.
What makes Unlock Capital different from accelerators or incubators?
Rather than providing general business advice and assistance, Unlock Capital is laser-focused on helping companies identify and attract appropriate financing to help them grow.
Who is encouraged to apply?
Companies with a presence in Puerto Rico or based in Puerto Rico poised for significant growth and seeking to understand what amount of capital is needed, which types are appropriate for their business, and how to secure funding.
Will there be a fee for the services offered through Unlock Capital or will it require giving up equity?
The services provided through Unlock Capital are free of charge to those businesses selected to participate thanks to Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds (CDBG-DR Funds) and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing’s Small Business Incubator and Accelerator Program (SBIA Program).
When will the services be available and how long will they last?
Unlock Capital’s service period typically runs from March to September, barring necessary changes or exceptions. Each participating business will develop an investment readiness plan with recommended activities to complete within this period. Core workshops and webinars will be provided throughout those six (6) months, and technical assistance will be tailored to the participating business’s specific needs and scheduled according to each party’s availability.
Can a single person/solo founder apply?
Yes. Single owner businesses are encouraged to apply, however, Unlock Capital is meant for businesses that already have a core team in place and are positioned to grow further.
Does CDVCA invest in the participating company selected for Unlock Capital?
CDVCA does not plan to invest in active participants. However, depending on the participants’ progress, CDVCA will introduce them to investors and/or funds in its network.
If we have participated or currently participate in an accelerator/incubator program, can we apply for Unlock Capital?
Yes. Because Unlock Capital is laser-focused on capital finance growth, our services may complement those offered by other programs. You might receive more general business planning services from another program and come to us for help with financing. Unlock Capital will be collaborating with other accelerators to complement services.
Do participants need to be part of a particular industry, such as Tech, to participate?
No. All types of businesses are encouraged to apply.
How to apply to Unlock Capital?
The application period for each new cohort begins on or around November and ends in February of the next year.
CDVCA is a national network for the field of community development venture capital investing. The 27-year-old non-profit is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution and provides startup and growth capital to businesses in underinvested markets, seeking market-rate financial returns and job creation.
CDVCA has raised and is deploying more than $300 million of impact investment capital, part of which is the $45 million Puerto Rico Fund for Growth (PRFG). PRFG invests in locally managed funds that provide equity and debt financing to Puerto Rican businesses.
CDVCA is a 27-year-old, not-for-profit organization, certified by the Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). We accomplish our mission by both building the field of business finance impact investments and by making investments directly in businesses. We have raised and are deploying over $300 million of impact investment capital in a variety of funds, including the $45 million Puerto Rico Fund for Growth, of which we are the managing general partner. In 2022, CDVCA is launching Unlock Capital, an investment readiness program.
Unlock Capital will offer a suite of services including education, technical assistance, networking and mentoring to businesses seeking high-level support to attract growth capital.
Unlock Capital will have industry leaders and experts providing workshops and webinars, which may include determining your financial needs (i.e., raising the right investment capital), where to look for capital, fundraising strategies, due diligence, risk mitigation, negotiation, financial modeling and presenting financial data, art of pitching, among other. These may be subject to change depending on the participant’s business needs.
Unlock Capital is laser-focused on finance, growth and investing. Unlike other programs, Unlock Capital seeks to offer services tailored to each participant’s needs to increase investment readiness.
No. The services provided through Unlock Capital will be free of charge to those businesses selected to participate in the program.
Unlock Capital’s service period runs from March 1st, 2022, to August 31st, 2022, barring necessary changes or exceptions. Each participating business will receive an investment readiness plan with recommended activities to complete within this period. Core workshops/webinars will be provided throughout those six (6) months, but technical assistance will be tailored to the participant business’ specific needs and scheduled according to each party’s availability.
Yes. Single owner businesses are encouraged to apply as well, and the business can be represented by a single owner. However, the program is meant for business that already have a core team in place and are in position to grow further.
CDVCA invest in active program participants. However, depending on the participants’ progress, CDVCA will introduce them to other investors and/or funds in its network.
Yes. Unlock Capital is not and exclusive program. The type of services provided through Unlock Capital can differ from other accelerator/incubator programs and it could be beneficial for some companies to participate in both. Moreover, Unlock Capital will be collaborating with some accelerators to complement services as best as we can.
No. All types of businesses are encouraged to apply.
Our Partners
We are proud to have formed strong partnerships with a diverse range of collaborators who share our vision and values. Our collaborators offer valuable insights, mentorship, and access to networks that complement our core program, enhancing its effectiveness and maximizing your chances of investment success. Together, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem of resources and expertise to propel your investment readiness journey forward.
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Meet Our Team
At Unlock Capital, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs like you to take their businesses to new heights. Our program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to attract investment and fuel your growth. Meet our team of dedicated professionals who will guide you on your investment journey.
Supporting High Potential Puerto Rico Businesses
Learn. Collaborate. Achieve.
Complete this contact form to submit your questions or request a personal orientation.
For general inquires write to: unlockcapital@cdvca.org
Address
530 Avenida de la Constitución
Suite 244
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901