Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Where some perceive despair in Haiti, Marc Alain Boucicault sees potential. The tech entrepreneur and business development expert has returned to his homeland after being educated in the United States. He is investing his resources into Banj, Haiti’s largest entrepreneurship hub and coworking space.

Addressing an audience at St. John’s University’s Venture & Innovation Center (VIC), Mr. Boucicault shared that "few things of value come quickly in industry." He emphasized the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship but remained optimistic about the future, stating, "I’ve built enough of a foundation to be successful."

Mr. Boucicault was invited as part of the University's International Education Week events. He spoke on November 21 at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business about starting a business in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

His talk concluded the Fall 2024 semester at VIC, following discussions by various other entrepreneurs and specialists. The session included questions from students such as Jude-Alexandre Jean-Baptiste and Clefton Simon, who are connected to Haiti.

Jude-Alexandre remarked on Haiti's current challenges but expressed hope inspired by Mr. Boucicault's work with Banj: “I believe that technology is the piece that will help us grow.”

Mr. Boucicault's educational background includes American University, Harvard University, and MIT. Despite skepticism from industry insiders, he left a position at MIT to focus on developing a business incubator in Haiti.

He faced numerous obstacles including poverty and infrastructure issues but was encouraged by Haiti's youthful population and its diaspora's commitment to improving conditions back home.

Banj was established in 2017 through connections Mr. Boucicault made while working with organizations like MIT and the World Bank. It has since become pivotal in Haiti’s tech start-up ecosystem, distributing $500,000 to 122 companies.

Mr. Boucicault advises entrepreneurs not to limit their vision: "When starting a company, do not give yourself a job description." He stresses that all knowledge acquired will serve as a foundation for success.