Spark ‘26 Interview Questions and Answers

Welcome to Spark! ’26 — the Caribbean’s bold new conference for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses and workforce talent.

We’re connecting with local business owners like you to shape an event built on real insights. This isn’t just conversation — it’s about creating practical, transformative opportunities that meet your needs.

Would you be willing to take 15 minutes to share your experiences as a business owner?

Your input will directly inform the design of high-impact programs, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to businesses like yours.

As a thank you, completion of the survey will grant you one free general ticket to the Spark! Conference in April 2026.

Your perspective would be incredibly valuable, and we truly appreciate your time and contribution.

*By completing this survey, you consent to the collection and use of your responses for the planning, reporting, and design of the Spark! ’26 conference.

Email *

Date of Interview: *

Interviewed By: *

Interview Start Time: *

Interviewee Name: *

Position Title: *

Business Name: *

Business Sector (select one): *

1. Farming and Food Production - Farmers, fishermen, beekeepers; People who grow or make food (like pepper sauce, jams, baked goods

2. Manufacturing, Handmade Crafts and Local Products - Making clothes, furniture, jewelry, crafts, or other products. Woodwork, art, homemade soap, bags, or handmade souvenirs

3. Technology and Online Services - People who build websites, fix computers, run online stores, or offer tech support, cyber security. Businesses that work mostly online.

4. Tourism and Hospitality - Guesthouses, taxi and tour operators, Airbnb hosts. Selling crafts or offering services to visitors (like spa, guides, transport)

5. Food Retail & Wholesale - Supermarkets, Wholesale distributors and Restaurants

6. Shops and Local Stores (Retail) - Beauty salons, clothing stores, corner shops, etc.. People who sell things directly to the public

7. Fishing and Seafood (re-order to be after farming) - Fishers and seafood sellers (like lobster, shrimp). Sometimes includes farming fish or shellfish

8. Construction and Trade Work - Small contractors, masons, electricians, plumbers, tilers. Businesses that help build or fix homes and buildings

9. Green Energy and Solar Work - People who install solar panels, help save energy, or sell eco-friendly products

10. Business and Professional Services (Accountants, graphic designers, business coaches, marketing, etc. People who offer services to help other businesses grow)

11. Blue Economy

12. NGOs

Specific Business Type (e.g. jewelry, restaurant, electrician, etc.) : *

Business Size: *

Sole Proprietor (1-3 owners)

Small Business (1-5 employees)

Medium Business (6-25 employees)

How long have you been in business? *

PART 1: Day-to-Day Operations (3–4 min)

1. What are the three major challenges you are experiencing with your business? *

2. On a scale from 1 to 5, how challenging are the following in your business? (1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely)

1. Tracking finances (bookkeeping, payroll, etc.) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

2. Hiring and managing staff. *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

3. Using technology *

1 - Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

4. Using Artificial Intelligence *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

5. Finding customers (sales) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

6. Working with suppliers *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

7. Admin tasks (scheduling, emails, etc.) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

8. Promoting your business (marketing) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

9. Planning for growth *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

Other (please specify):

3. On the same 1 to 5 scale, how helpful would training be in these areas? (1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely).

1. Tracking finances (bookkeeping, payroll, etc.) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

2. Hiring and managing staff *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

3. Using technology *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

4. Using Artificial Intelligence *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

5. Finding customers (sales) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

6. Working with suppliers *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

7. Admin tasks (scheduling, emails, etc.) *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

8. Promoting your business (marketing).. *

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

9. Planning for growth.

1- Not at all

2 - Slightly

3 - Moderately

4 - very

5 - Extremely

Other (please specify):

PART 2: Business Strengths & Growth (2–3 min)

4. What are the strengths of your business? Check all that apply *

Finances

Hiring

Tech/Tools

Sales

Suppliers

Admin

Marketing

Growth Strategy

5. Do you have a plan for how your business will grow or improve in the next few years? If not, what is holding you back? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

PART 3: Workforce (2–3 min)

6. Is it hard to find or keep good employees? Why or why not? What are the main challenges? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

7. What support would help with hiring, training, or managing staff? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

8. How do you build a positive workplace culture? Any tips or challenges you’ve had? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

PART 4: Technology & Digital Tools (2 min)

9a. Do you use any apps to help run your business? *

☐ Yes → Which ones?

☐ No → What’s stopped you?

9b. Answer for Yes or No *

10a. Do you use any tools to help run your business? *

☐ Yes → Which ones?

☐ No → What’s stopped you?

10b. Answer for Yes or No

11. What digital skills would you like to learn or improve?(e.g. social media, accounting tools, AI, marketing) *

PART 5: Access to Finance (2 min)

12. Have you faced challenges accessing loans, grants, or investment? What kind of financial support would be most helpful? *

Loans

Grants

Other Funding

Haven't Tried

13. What kind of financial support would help most right now? (e.g. grant writing help, loan referrals, budgeting tools) *

PART 6: Spark '26 Conference Feedback (3–4 min)

14. What would you find most useful at a business conference? (Choose top 2–3)5a. What event format and timing work best for you? *

Hands-on workshops

Expert Q&As

Networking

1-on-1 Business Advice

15a. What event format and timing work best for you? *

1-day Event

2–3 day Event

An Online/Virtual Event

15b. Preferred Time of Day: *

Daytime Event

Evening Event

15c. Preferred Days of the Week: *

Weekdays (Monday–Friday)

Weekend (Saturday/Sunday)

Either is fine

16. Would you like us to add you to the pre-registration list for Spark ‘26 so we can contact you directly when tickets are released and help you secure your spot? *

Yes

If Yes, please confirm your best email and phone number for follow-up. *

17. Would you like to be added to the Spark email list to receive our monthly newsletters for businesses and workforce talent? *

18. If there’s an opportunity to get exposure to 200–500 people at the event, would you be interested in showcasing your business? *

Yes

Depends - Tell Me More

19. Thanks so much for your time! Is there anything else you would like to share about running a business in the Caribbean? *

Interview End Time: *