Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship

Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship is a grant from the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Micronesia, in partnership with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, that funds ocean-focused entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

The fellowship provides grants of up to $8,000 to support Blue Economy activities, along with entrepreneurship training workshops and mentorship opportunities through an international network of business, technology, and finance leaders. Eligible applicants are entrepreneurs in Micronesia and Tonga whose work advances ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth in the FSM's blue economy.

​The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship (BPEF) aims to support local entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses through grants, entrepreneurship training and mentorship opportunities. The Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses in the FSM to gain access to an extensive international network of business leaders.

This program aims to strengthen the FSM’s Blue Economy and support initiatives for a healthy, sustainable future for the FSM’s ocean. The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship is a partnership between Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) and Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) to support Blue Economy entrepreneurs in the FSM to advance ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth.

##### What will Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellows receive? Grants of up to $8,000 to support activities that benefit the Blue Economy in the FSM At least 4 virtual training workshops taking place between Aug. 2024 - Aug.

2025 Mentorship opportunities facilitated by SOA’s global network, including leaders in business, technology, finance, and more Carlos (Douglas) Kusto is a Pohnpei native with extensive experience in natural resource management. Under the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship, Carlos will work to expand a clam farm project in Awak Pah’s nearshore areas.

The expansion aims to revive local clam stocks to generate community income and promote food security. As a Kosrae State Senator, Yamado Melander is an active member of the Utwe Municipal Government and advises on activities related to fishing and farming.

Through the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship, Yamado will establish clam farms in Utwe in effort to restore clam populations, clean coral reefs, boost local income, and promote sustainable coastal management. He has previously worked in fishing, farming and clam aquaculture at the Utwe Biosphere Reserve.

Russell Figueras and Pearcylita Cubacub The Environmental Club at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School in Pohnpei will lead recycling and culinary initiatives, including conducting regular recycling collections, repurposing waste into usable products, and preparing food for sale to fund sustainability efforts. Krystle Melander is a Kosrae native and board member of the Utwe Youth Group.

Under the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship, Krystle will implement dual farming of Kosraean mud crabs and srohsrohl to combat overharvesting of the mud crabs. She will work with the local government to increase their awareness of mud crab conservation efforts and sustainable aquafarming practices in Kosrae.

Allois Malfitani is the founder of @pohnpei_surf_club, a sustainable tourism business operating in Pohnpei for over twenty years. This grant will support Allois in developing a campaign highlighting how responsible exploration of the jewels of Pohnpei—like reefs and ancient ruins like Nan Madol—preserve marine life and provide sustainable livelihoods.

Allois will also attend an international dive trade show and upgrade Pohnpei Surf Club’s website to expand FSM tourism into new markets. A Chuuk native, Jason Reiong brings extensive experience in the education sector. Under the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship, Jason will lead efforts to establish a conservation site to protect and sustainably farm sea cucumbers and coral reefs in Sapuk, Weno, Chuuk.

The project will start with an environmental assessment and community workshops to create a comprehensive action plan that aligns traditional practices with modern conservation efforts.