KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — Entrepreneurs involved in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management are being encouraged to prepare for a new funding opportunity under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Blue Economy programme.
The OECS has announced the third and final Window 1 call for proposals under the Regional Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) Matching Grants Programme.
The initiative is part of the World Bank-funded Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project.
Eligible businesses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Saint Lucia will be able to pursue grant financing designed to improve business productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.
What Is the Blue Economy Grant Programme?
The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme provides financial and technical support to qualifying businesses operating in sectors connected to marine and coastal resources.
The three eligible sectors are:
- Fisheries
- Marine and coastal tourism
- Waste management
Grant-supported investments may help businesses acquire equipment, improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety practices and expand their productive capacity.
The programme aims to support economic growth while encouraging more sustainable use of Caribbean marine resources.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
According to the OECS, Window 1 applicants must satisfy several requirements.
Businesses must be formally registered in one of the participating countries, have operated for at least two years and maintain a business bank account.
They must employ no more than 50 people and have annual revenue not exceeding EC$1 million.
Applicants must also provide the required registration and financial records, including appropriate financial statements or bank statements.
Businesses should review the complete programme guidelines before applying.
Vincentian Business Already Benefiting
The OECS has highlighted Dive Bequia as an example of a business supported through an earlier grant opportunity.
Business owner Cathy Howard-Sachs identified the need for larger scuba-diving compressors to improve tank-filling capacity and energy efficiency.
The programme’s support demonstrates how access to targeted investment can help smaller tourism operators improve their operations and serve more customers.
Important Date for Entrepreneurs
The OECS will officially launch the third and final Window 1 call during an online webinar scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The virtual session will explain eligibility requirements, application procedures and the support available to prospective applicants.
Women entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to explore the opportunity.
Business owners should begin gathering documentation and reviewing the programme’s requirements ahead of the launch.
As this is the final Window 1 call, qualifying Vincentian businesses should take particular care not to overlook the opportunity.
For additional information: Contact the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme team at mgp.unit@oecs.int.
SVG Bulletin Board encourages eligible local entrepreneurs to consult the OECS official announcement and registration information.
