OECS makes second call for Blue Economy Entrepreneurs to access grant funds

BLUE ECONOMY entrepreneurs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and across Grenada and Saint Lucia, are being urged to seize a major opportunity to scale their businesses through collaboration.

This, as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission prepares to launch the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (MGP).

The virtual launch will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 pm via webinar. Webinar Link: https://bit. ly/4tgHnIP This second call specifically targets Value Chain Groups operating within the fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management sectors, offering grant funding ranging from US$100,000 to US$150,000, the Commission states in a release.

These grants are designed to support groups of interconnected businesses working collaboratively to strengthen production, improve efficiency, and increase market competitiveness across the Blue Economy.

The initiative forms part of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project, implemented by the OECS Commission with funding from the World Bank.

Unlike individual grants, the OECS Commission said Window 2 focuses on the power of partnerships.Value Chain Groups comprised of at least three MSMEs are encouraged to align their operations, from production to processing to distribution, to unlock greater value collectively than they could individually.

A Value Chain Group refers to a network of businesses that operates at different stages of producing, enhancing, and delivering a product or service to the market. For example, in the fisheries sector, this could include fishers, processors, distributors, and retailers working

together; in marine tourism, tour operators, service providers, and hospitality businesses; and in waste management, collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers using recycled materials. By linking these stages, Value Chain Groups create a more efficient, coordinated system that reduces gaps, improves quality, and increases overall profitability, the Commission points out.

It adds that, in the Eastern Caribbean, where resources and markets can be limited, collaboration is a strategic advantage. By working together, MSMEs can: Improve product quality and consistency; Reduce operational costs through shared resources; Access larger markets and new export opportunities; and Build resilience against economic and environmental shocks.

This approach is expected to significantly elevate the competitiveness and sustainability of the region’s Blue Economy.

To qualify,Value Chain Groups must meet the following requirements: Be comprised of at least three legally registered MSMEs.

Operate within Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Function within the fisheries, marine tourism, or waste management sectors Demonstrate an existing or potential value chain relationship (e.g., supplier, processor, distributor). Further information may be obtained at: https:// www.oecs.int/en/unleashing- the-blue-economy; or via email at mgp.unit@oecs. int.