Green businesses and start-ups now have an opportunity to grow through the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative (Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs), which was launched on July 27.

The initiative was launched by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in partnership with the OECS Commission, a release states.

This 3-year project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) will offer incubation and accelerator programs, including virtual training and courses, a mentorship program, in-person events, business competitions and networking opportunities in six OECS member states namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, targeted at green businesses whose business models include solutions that address environmental or sustainable development goals.

This initiative is building on the Global Greenpreneurs program implemented by the GGGI in recent years, as well as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States’ (OECS) years of experience in supporting competitive businesses in the region. The objective of the program is to encourage and support the development of green businesses to create inclusive green jobs while helping OECS countries meet their sustainability and climate goals.

The incubator program will offer a 12-week virtual training program for existing innovative early-stage green medium, small, and micro-enterprises (MSMEs), including women-owned firms, with demonstrated growth potential that are in pursuit of a scalable and repeatable business model, and citizens with relevant experience and entrepreneurial ambitions.

Entrepreneurs in the incubator program will also be matched with mentors and have the opportunity to participate in business competition to secure grant seed fund capital of US$10,000.

The accelerator program will target high-potential start-ups in the growth stage and offer interest- free loans in amounts up to US$50,000 as well as a structured program for providing links with investors.

The deadline for applications to the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative is August 26, 2021.

Interested persons can contact the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) ay 451-2235, or visit: https://bit.ly/GPIncubatorApp .