TOI strengthens Cuban communities by seeding locally owned small businesses and providing humanitarian relief to foster long-term self-sufficiency.
The Overseas Initiative is a 501(c)(3) public charity, incorporated October 18, 2022, by brothers George and Keith Shamblin.
EIN 92-0668947
P.O. Box 430222, Birmingham, AL 35243
info@theoverseasinitiative.orgTOI complies with all OFAC regulations.
Eight weeks of training, at a cost of $100 per person. That covers meals, travel, and course costs.
Graduates may then apply for seed funds, capped at $10,000. The seed funds are paid forward to launch the next businesses.
Each entrepreneur has an American business mentor.
About $2,000 of food is bought and given out each month through local churches in Cuba.
Grant money pays for training only, never the seed funds. Our Board of Directors covers all overhead. TOI receives no government funding.
15 funded ventures in three groups (February 2026).
A new group of 22 entrepreneurs in training (August 2026).
A 40 foot container of about 38,000 pounds of food (2026).
