Kari Paul, MarketWatch

Cuban-American entrepreneur Marcelino Alvarez jokes that he never expected he would end up more connected to his family’s homeland living in Portland, Ore. than he was when he grew up in Miami — but that is exactly what happened when he co-foundedIncúbate, the first collaboration incubator between the U.S. and Cuba.

Created by a diplomatic delegation sponsored by the Aspen Institute, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that promotes “pursuit of common ground” internationally, the program facilitates dialogue between entrepreneurs in the two countries. Through workshops in Cuba, it connects American business people with local entrepreneurs for advice, planning, and collaboration. Alvarez said Incúbate is shifting the previously pessimistic discourse surrounding business in Cuba and sharing lessons that everyone can learn from — especially Silicon Valley.