Kingstown St. Vincent May 13, 2026-For fisherfolk, farmers, and boat operators across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a new opportunity has emerged to strengthen their livelihoods. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in partnership with UBEC and The World Bank, has announced the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme Window 2.
The initiative offers grants ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 150,000, targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) working within value chains. The funding is designed to help businesses grow, collaborate, and build resilience in industries that are central to community life fromfishing and agriculture to small-scale manufacturing.
Local entrepreneurs say the programme could be transformative. “Access to capital has always been the biggest hurdle,” explained one Vincentian farmer. “This grant means we can invest in better equipment, improve production, and create jobs for young people in our village.”
The official launch will take place on Friday, May 22nd, 2026, at 10:00 am via Zoom, opening the door for MSMEs to submit proposals. Organisers stress that the grants are not just about financial support but about empowering communities to innovate and sustain themselves in a changing economic climate.
For many, the programme represents more than numbers on a balance sheet it is a chance to secure livelihoods, preserve traditions, and build stronger futures for families across the Eastern Caribbean.