OECS Commission Congratulates 28 MSMEs on Securing Grants

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has extended heartfelt congratulations to the 28 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), who have been awarded grants under the First Window 1 Call for proposals for The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme. This milestone marks the first step toward transforming their businesses, creating new opportunities, and strengthening the Blue Economy, a release from the OECS Commission states.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, the programme provides eligible enterprises with grant support ranging from $US 5,000 to $25,000. The 28 newly awarded MSMEs, 12 of which are from SVG, will use their funding to acquire new equipment, upgrade facilities, scale production, enhance branding, and expand into new markets, all while contributing to environmental sustainability and job creation.

Ocean Marine Shipping Agencies is a seafood processing company operating from St Vincent and the Grenadines. Co-owner of Ocean Marine Shipping Agencies, Shanna Browne reveals that the grant will facilitate the enterprise’s growth into the international market.

“Through the support of the UBEC grant, the company will procure new equipment to restore operations and maintain international quality standards. This initiative will enable the resumption of exports, strengthen food safety practices, and safeguard the livelihoods of workers in the rural community of Owia.”

Owner of Solomon Water Taxi, John St. Brice, notes the grant will aid the modernisation of his enterprise. Solomon Water Taxi offers tours and basic water taxi services in Saint Lucia.

“The grant fund will be used for purchasing an outboard Yamaha engine. Building resilience and innovation in Tourism, economic empowerment and promoting sustainable development.”

Tamara Prosper, owner of Tambran by Tamara expects the grant to revamp the operations of her enterprise. Prosper’s enterprise is an eco-jewelry and accessories brand based in Grenada that transforms waste materials, such as plastic bottles, vinyl, wood, and natural elements like tamarind seeds into luxury jewellery, art pieces, and innovative products like the Protective Hair Hive.

“The UBEC grant will support scaling up production, acquiring specialised equipment, improving branding and packaging and launching the protective hair hive product by transforming 80% of collected plastic bottles into market-ready products, entering two new export markets, etc. all while reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainable entrepreneurship.”

OECS Commission Senior Grants Advisor, Kyle Garnes, commended the new recipients, ​“Today, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of 28 MSMEs whose hard work and vision are shaping the future of the Blue Economy. This is more than funding,it is recognition of their potential and a stepping stone to greater success. We are proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to the impact they will make.”

​To be eligible for grant funding under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, MSMEs must:

•Be legally registered and operating in Grenada, Saint Lucia, or St Vincent & the Grenadines.

•Provide Business Registration or fisherfolk identification.

•Have been in operation for a minimum of two years.

•Employ fewer than 50 people and generate less than $US 1,000,000 annually.

Proposals for the 2nd Window 1 Call will be launched on Friday, October, 17, 2025.

​The OECS Commission is encouraging all eligible MSMEs in the Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors to apply for the upcoming 2nd Window 1 Call for Proposals, which will be launched virtually at 10:00 a.m.

You can learn how to apply and join the webinar by clicking the link below:http://bit.ly/3KqdZyV.