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. 

This 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 & 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. It provides funding to help enterprises expand production, enhance sustainability, adopt new technologies, and build resilience to climate and market challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, MSMEs must:
​1️. Be legally registered and operating in Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent & 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 USD $1,000,000annually.

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

Important Deadlines

 Deadline to Submit Applications: November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM
​ Deadline to Request Clarifications: November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

Two Virtual Information Sessions will be hosted by the MGP Unit to provide MSMEs with detailed guidance on the application process, eligibility, and required documentation.

 Session 1: Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM
​ https://bit.ly/3IW59ZF

Session 2: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM
​

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, 

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

Head of the Environmental Sustainability Division at the OECS Commission, Chamberlain Emmanuel stated,

Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Natalia Magradze recognised the strength of the OECS Commission’s leadership in the project’s execution,

The Importance of MSMEs in the Blue Economy

MSMEs are the backbone of the Eastern Caribbean economy, accounting for over 80% of all businesses, generating more than 50% of GDP, and providing over 70% of employment across the region. The Matching Grants Programme recognises its vital role and provides the financial and technical support needed to help these enterprises thrive.

Already, the Programme is transforming lives and reshaping the Blue Economy, empowering local entrepreneurs, boosting employment, and promoting sustainable growth in ocean-based industries.

About the UBEC Initiative

The Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) is a World Bank–funded, 15-year regional initiative being implemented in phases, with the current first phase spanning five years. The project focuses on strengthening the Blue Economy through investments in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management, alongside institutional reform, policy harmonisation, and public-private collaboration.

Through UBEC, the OECS Commission is working to unlock the full potential of the region’s marine and coastal resources while ensuring environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

 Deadline for Applications: November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM
​ Deadline for Clarifications: November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM

For more information: mgp.unit@oecs.int
​ Submit applications to: ubecgrant@oecs.int
​ Learn more about the Window 1 Call for Proposals:https://bit.ly/3WfsZm1
​ Learn more about UBEC: https://oecs.int/en/unleashing-the-blue-economy