In today’s Caribbean business landscape, one of the greatest challenges entrepreneurs face is not just getting customers, but getting investment.

It’s one thing to have a business idea, it’s another to build something that investors will actually back.

I sat down with Kevin Valley, chartered business valuator and principal consultant at Kevin Valley Consulting, to break down what it really means to become investible in today’s economy – especially if you're operating out of small markets like TT.

Whether you're a startup or an established business, these insights will help you measure, create and capture value.

1. Being investible starts with structure

The first truth Valley dropped was simple – investors don’t fund passion. They fund structure and scalability.

"An investible business isn’t just about a great idea, it’s about demonstrating long-term value and reducing risk," he explained.

Too often, Caribbean entrepreneurs try to get funding based on ideas or a solid customer base. But without key components like financial projections, business systems and a clear growth model, the business just isn’t attractive to investors.

If you're the only person running your business and making all decisions, Valley warns that you’re also the biggest liability.

"We have too much pride. People say, 'I am the business.' But that hurts your valuation. If something happens to you, the business dies."

The goal is to build a business that works without you. That’s what investors are looking for.

2. Financial forecasts are non-negotiable

Want to tank your valuation? Easy, don’t prepare financial forecasts.

"If you don’t show me a forecast, I have no choice but to assume you’ll grow at two or three per cent a year, in line with the economy. That instantly lowers your valuation," Valley said.

Financial projections help investors understand how your business plans to grow, what milestones you’re targeting and how you plan to use their money.

Without it, you’re asking them to bet blind.

And it’s not just about having numbers – it’s about backing them up with logic.

"You need to show me how you're going to move from x to y and why. Do you have contracts lined up? Are there strategic partnerships? Show your math."

3. Start with the right customer

Kevin also touched on a mistake many early-stage entrepreneurs make – targeting customers who can't pay.

"We made that mistake when we started Become Investable. We focused on small businesses who needed the help, but they couldn’t pay for it," he said.

[caption id="attachment_1148706" align="alignnone" width="1024"] -[/caption]

It's important to determine not just who you can serve, but who is willing and able to pay for your services.

Knowing your ideal customer allows you to build a business that is both impactful and financially sustainable.

4. Think global, even if you're local

For many Caribbean businesses, growth potential is capped by market size.

That’s why Valley encourages entrepreneurs to structure their businesses for global inves