The Department of Commerce announces the much-anticipated introduction of the Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) Grant Facility; yet another targeted capacity-building intervention designed to improve the overall competitiveness of local businesses. This support measure builds on the operational framework, assessment criteria, and fiduciary arrangements successfully applied under the previous MSME Loan–Grant Facility, with minor adjustments to ensure more timely project execution and maximum impact.

In its current formulation, the Facility aims to provide access to $1 million (XCD) in grant funding only (i.e. there is no loan component) to productive sectors. As such, the Department hereby issues an initial call for applications for the newly reconfigured MSME Grant Facility to run from today, Wednesday 10^th June, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. to Tuesday 30^th June, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Applications may be downloaded from the website https://sites.google.com/commerce.govt.lc/sedu/home and submitted physically to our office on the Fifth Floor of the Conway Business Centre, Castries Waterfront; or the Southern Division of the Department of Commerce located on the Third Floor of the Uptown Business Centre on New Dock Road, Vieux Fort.

The application form must be completed (with original signature) and submitted with a business plan that includes financial projections. Only one (1) application per person is permitted—an individual or entity may only benefit from the Grant Facility once. However, beneficiaries of the previous MSME Loan-Grant Facility may apply. Applicants must be Saint Lucian nationals aged 31 and above. Supporting documents, including a copy of a valid form of ID, proof of address such as a utility bill, quotations or proforma invoices and relevant company documents, industry licences and certificates must be provided. Additionally, applicants must adhere to the programme’s monitoring requirements if successful.

Prospective businesses may qualify for up to $10,000 (XCD), while businesses in existence for no more than two years can seek up to $15,000 (XCD) in funding. Businesses in existence for over two years can access up to $15,000 (XCD). The minimum amount of Grant Funding available is $3,000 (XCD). Priority areas include Manufacturing (e.g. Agro-Processing), Agri-Business, Agro-Tourism, Food and Beverage, and Services (ICT and Professional Services), Green and Climate Resilient Businesses, and Community-Based Retailers. Accommodation and non-profit businesses do not qualify under this Facility.

Eligible use of funds: equipment upgrade/modernization and spare parts/automation (including computers and laptops); food safety standards/certifications/regulations; the purchase of raw materials; direct supplies and promotional material; obtaining technical assistance; facilitating product and service development; retrofitting premises for standardization; accessing training programmes that benefit the business; packaging and design; applied duties (e.g. VAT, HSL, Service Charge); and port charges incurred by applicants under the previous MSME Loan-Grant Facility.

Ineligible use of funds: purchase of items for resale or consumables, payment of overheads such as salaries, rent and utilities, etc.; personal use; travel costs; interest owed on outstanding loans; tax arrears; debts and provision for losses or debts; items already financed by another framework and sponsorships; acquisition of motor vehicles for general use; and building expansions.

Grant funding must be used exclusively for approved activities and expenditures outlined in the application, guidelines, and grant agreement. All recipients will be subject to a robust monitoring and evaluation process to ensure accountability, transparency and the effective use of public resources. Periodic site visits and project assessments will be conducted throughout the implementation of the programme. These visits will verify project progress, confirm that funded purchases and activities have been completed as approved, and evaluate the impact of the investment.

The Department of Commerce encourages all eligible MSMEs with growth-oriented projects to review the guidelines carefully and submit complete applications within the prescribed deadline.

For more information, contact the Department of Commerce’s Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) at 468-4241 or 468-4223.

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