Local businesses are being urged to capitalize on the opportunity to access funding through the Accelerator Interest-Free Loans Program of the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative.
The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED), local business support organization on the initiative, says that due to demands throughout the region, the deadline for applications has been extended to next Monday, 17 July at 11:59 p.m. and therefore gives businesses that may have missed the initial deadline the opportunity to submit their applications.
This initiative’s Accelerator Program targets high-potential green enterprises in their growth stage. It provides access to capital up to USD 50,000 in interest-free loans, investment opportunities, and continued learning which helps scale these businesses to maximize profitability and impact. The program is part of the broader effort to foster a vibrant ecosystem of green entrepreneurship in the Eastern Caribbean, one that can drive economic growth while advancing environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness.
In April, local businessman Ricardo Boatswain, owner of Solife Inc., was announced as one of two green entrepreneurs across participating OECS states awarded interest-free loans. Solife Inc. is a solar service business that provides installation, financing and monitoring for all solar PV products.
The CED says it is hoping that more Vincentian businesses will succeed in securing one of the interest-free loans as awardees are selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive funding and support to grow their businesses and continue to contribute to the region’s sustainable development.
The Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative is funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. This regional program aims to foster and facilitate the development, establishment, and growth of innovative green enterprises in six (6) Protocol OECS Member States namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Interested entrepreneur should visit https://caribbeangreenpreneurs.com/accelerator-program-details for more information and to apply.