THE INDUSTRY Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a small business grants programme that will provide financial assistance to agro-processors.

A release from the ministry said the programme was specially developed to help persons in this sector improve their competitiveness.

Under this programme the Industry Unit will award grants of to $2,000 for product development, packaging and labelling, innovation and product testing.

Entrepreneurs and agro-processors applying for grants are required to have their business legally registered at the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

The business must be operating in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and must have an annual turnover not exceeding EC$50,000.

Further applicants must be working along with, or indicate commitment to working along with the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) and the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards. As well, they must also submit to verification and consultative visits by the SVG Bureau of Standards and the CED.

The Programme will also provide capacity building training to successful applicants who must attend and successfully complete a basic business skills development training programme with the CED.

Application Forms are available at the Industry Unit located on the second floor of the National Insurance Services building in Kingstown or at the CED office on Grenville Street.

Persons must apply by the September 30 deadline.