AgricultureEconomic DevelopmentOcean Governance and FisheriesRegional IntegrationTourism

January 8, 2025

The Commission of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who took the time to apply to the Window 1 Call for Proposals of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme. The Call for Proposals concluded on December 13, 2024.

This marks the end of an important chapter in the initiative to boost the potential of businesses in the Marine Tourism, Fisheries, and Waste Management sectors, empowering them to embrace innovation, increase productivity, and play a pivotal role in the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.

The Programme, a key component of the World Bank-funded Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Eastern Caribbean (UBEC) Project, offered grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 USD to support individual businesses. The response from the MSME community has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering resilience and sustainability in the region.

Why This Initiative Matters

The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme was designed to address critical needs within the blue economy by:

• Enabling businesses to adopt sustainable practices and innovative technologies
• Expanding operations to enhance productivity and job creation
• Strengthening market linkages and fostering economic resilience across the region

These efforts are essential to ensuring that our marine and coastal resources are managed sustainably while enabling businesses to thrive.

Looking Ahead: Window 2 Call for Proposals

While the Window 1 Call for Proposals has now ended, the Commission is pleased to announce that the Call for Proposals for Window 2 will be launched in February.

Under Window 2, value chain groups consisting of three or more MSMEs working collaboratively will have the opportunity to apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 USD. This Window focuses on fostering partnerships, building robust value chains, and unlocking even greater potential within the blue economy.

Stay tuned for further updates on the next steps for Window 2.

Acknowledgment and Commitment

The OECS remains deeply committed to empowering business owners and advancing the blue economy across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We commend all the applicants for their dedication to their businesses and their communities, and we look forward to partnering with more enterprises in the future to drive sustainable development and innovation in the region.

For further information or updates about the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, please contact the OECS Matching Grants Unit at [email protected].

From Jacques Hinkson-Compton

Communications Consultant, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States