Natalie D’Oyen is Senior Director, MSME at Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, leading national policy and programs to drive the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. With over 15 years of experience in innovation ecosystem development and entrepreneurship across the Caribbean and the United States, she has delivered transformative initiatives that strengthen economic competitiveness. 

At the Development Bank of Jamaica, she helped lead the IDB-funded Boosting Innovation for Growth in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (BIGEE) Programme, directing efforts that increased high-potential startups, accredited business incubators and accelerators, launched a national technology commercialization program, and created new funding mechanisms including an Angel Investment SideCar Fund and a venture capital fund. 

An economic development consultant and founder of Founderstood Incorporated, Natalie supports entrepreneurs in accessing markets, investment, and technical assistance. Before returning to Jamaica, she served as Associate Director of the University of Connecticut’s business incubator and Program Manager for the Connecticut Manufacturers’ Technical Assistance Program, guiding startups from idea to investment. 

A former journalist and public relations professional, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Communication with Honours from the University of the West Indies CARIMAC, and both an MBA in Venture Development and Strategy and an M.A. in Communication (Data Analysis and Market Intelligence) from the University of Connecticut.