OECS Commission calls for grant funding proposals submissions

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, officially launched the 2nd Call for Proposals for Window 1 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a virtual event attended by entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners.

Interested entrants have until November 21, 2025 to make their submissions for grant funding under the programme.

The October launch follows the successful completion of the first call, which saw 28 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines receive grant funding to strengthen their operations and drive growth within the region’s Blue Economy.

The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (MGP) serves as a financing mechanism designed to support MSMEs in the Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors, the OECS Commission said in a release. It provides funding to help enterprises expand production, enhance sustainability, adopt new technologies, and build resilience to climate and market challenges.

To qualify, MSMEs must:

​1️. Be legally registered and operating in Grenada, Saint Lucia, or St Vincent and the Grenadines.

​2️. Provide proof of registration (Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Certificate).

​3️. Have been in operation for at least two (2) years.

​4️. Employ fewer than 50 people and generate less than US$1,000,000 annually.

Successful applicants can access grants ranging from US$5,000 to $25,000 under Window 1.

Applications must be submitted by 11.95 p.m on November 21, 2025; and the deadline to request clarification is November 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Two virtual information sessions are being hosted by the MGP Unit to provide MSMEs with detailed guidance on the application process, eligibility, and required documentation. The first session was held on October 23, 2025, and Session 2 is slated for 10:00 a.m on November 10, 2025.

These sessions are open to all eligible MSMEs interested in applying for funding under the 2nd Call for Proposals.

Senior Grants Advisor, Kyle Garnes emphasised the wide-ranging benefits of the Matching Grants Programme,

“We see the Matching Grants Programme as a financing mechanism with a plethora of opportunities. There is scope for entrepreneurs to increase employment and job opportunities, scope for us to increase productivity, promote innovation, build resilience, and of course stimulate economic recovery post-COVID-19.”

UBEC Project Manager, Farzana Yusuf-Leon explained that the programme’s core objective is to create sustainable growth while safeguarding the marine environment,

“The goal is straightforward; to promote economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and generate sustainable jobs, all while preserving the health of our ocean eco-systems. As a key financing mechanism under Component 2 of UBEC, it is designed to fuel private sector-led growth and investment in innovative, climate resilient blue economy activities.”

Head of the Environmental Sustainability Division at the OECS Commission, Chamberlain Emmanuel stated, “The OECS Commission remains steadfast in its vision towards a model blue economy region. With a mission to ensure that every entrepreneur with an interest in a bluer, more resilient Caribbean has the opportunity to make it a reality.”