Published: 02 Dec, '21

Caribbean small businesses awarded close to USD 1 million in grants post-pandemic

Source: Caribbean Export
TAP-web-banner
  • Nearly USD 1 Million in technical assistance grants awarded to businesses
  • 61 MSMEs in 14 Caribbean countries received grant funding
  • Businesses headed by women and the youth accounted for 42% of grantees

Grants totalling nearly USD 1 million have been awarded to 61 small businesses in CARIFORUM member states to provide a bridge post-pandemic and increase exports in domestic and international markets. The Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) grant facility was implemented by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and jointly funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union.

The TAP was set up after a survey exploring the impact of Covid-19 on businesses in the region found an overwhelming need for flexible funding over different time periods. The survey was carried out by Caribbean Export and the CDB.

Deodat Maharaj
Deodat Maharaj – Executive Director, Caribbean Export

“We listened and responded swiftly to MSMEs during the pandemic by providing a significant boost to drive growth and innovation in major and emerging sectors. The programme will continue to invest in our businesses in the region to help generate jobs and opportunity for our people,” said Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

Businesses could apply for one-off grants of up to USD 15,000. They were encouraged to take part through online information sessions. Eligibility was based on simple criteria: a minimum of two years trading in a CARIFORUM member state. The facility provided support for a range of business activities, including business digitalisation, marketing, certification, protection of intellectual property rights and resource efficiency and renewable energy.

EU Ambassador H.E Malgorzata Wasilewska

“The European Union, for many years, has supported the development Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Caribbean through the Caribbean Export Development Agency. The Technical Assistance Programme Grant Facility was deployed to assist companies in recovering from the COVID pandemic and therefore I look forward to seeing the impact it has had”, declared EU Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska.

Out of the 61 grants already awarded, businesses from all CARIFORUM member states have benefited. Manufacturing and agriculture and agro-processing emerged as the largest sectors, accounting for 42% of the total grants, followed by professional services (15%). Younger business owners aged between 18 and 35 accounted for at least 16% of the grantees. Among businesses awarded, 26% were headed by women.

Daniel Best - CDB
Daniel Best – Director of the Projects Department (CDB)

“For many regional entrepreneurs, navigating such an unprecedented pandemic, and feeling the weight of responsibility – not just for the survival of their enterprises but for their livelihoods, health and wellbeing of staff, customers, and suppliers has required a Herculean effort,” emphasised CDB’s Director, Projects Department, Daniel Best. He added:

“CDB is therefore extremely pleased to have assisted in improving the resilience of these 61 MSMEs by providing much needed financing to help them realise improved production efficiencies, product quality, management of financial resources, and to obtain enhanced business support services, all of which are critical to enhance their competitiveness.”

The TAP programme will provide a suite of online training to build the capacity of MSMEs in the Caribbean. Firms can learn more about the programme and register their interest in participating here: Technical Assistance Programme

Share:

CE logo

Caribbean Export is the regional trade and investment promotion agency focused on building a resilient Caribbean by providing cutting-edge and high-impact support to the private sector.

Produced with the financial assistance of the European Union.

Contact Us

Head Office

Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados

P.O. Box 5050 Postal code BB22026

 

Tel: +1(246) 436-0578

Fax: +1(246) 436-9999

E-mail: [email protected]

 

To file a complaint about any of our projects or report fraud or misconduct, please click here.

Sub-Regional Office

Av. Pedro Henríquez Ureña No. 150

Torre Diandy XIX, Piso 7

Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

 

Tel: + 1(809) 531-6565

Fax: + 1(809) 473-7532

E-mail: [email protected]

To file a complaint about any of our projects or report fraud or misconduct, please click here.

Bi-National Programme Office

4th Floor, 151 Angle Ave.

Jean Paul II & Impasse Duverger

Port-au-Prince, HAITI

 

Tel: +1 (509) 48 92 53 55

E-mail: [email protected]

 

To file a complaint about any of our projects or report fraud or misconduct, please click here.

Join our mailing list

Subscribe to the Caribbean Export mailing list and receive our newsletter Trade Watch and latest publications.

© 2024Caribbean Export. All Rights Reserved