Matching Grants Call for Proposals
The Regional Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Matching Grant Programme is a World Bank-funded, OECS-led initiative designed to increase productivity, create jobs, and strengthen the capacity of MSMEs in select blue economy value chains, particularly for women. The Programme falls within the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project. It aims to strengthen MSME competitiveness and create added value while fostering the adoption of climate-resilient practices in the target sectors.
The Programme is to specifically support
- Tourist operators, fishers, and coastal communities to increase productivity, jobs, and innovation while ensuring sustainable management of the underlying marine and coastal natural assets,
- The establishment of stronger market linkages and business relations for targeted beneficiaries with other value chain actors.
Window 2: The MGP provides 80% financing of the total value of each proposal under Window 2 (up to $200,000). Applicants are required to match the remaining 20% in cash.'
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible, applicants must comply with the following criteria:
- Each MSME within the value chain group (three or more enterprises) must be legally registered or have a registered business name and operating in one of the following OECS member states: Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Each MSME must have been in operation for at least two (2) years, supported by financial statements for the last two (2) years, which can be audited or unaudited but must be presented according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Alternatively, they can provide bank statements for the last two (2) years.
- Each MSME within the value chain group must have a business bank account. This is essential to ensure that there are proper financial practices in place and to facilitate the transaction of funds.
- Each MSME within the value chain group must have a maximum of 50 employees and annual revenues not exceeding US $1,000,000
Window 2 – Blue Economy Value Chain Grants
Value chain groups of multiple firms working collaboratively can apply for grants ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 under Window 2. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of blue economy value chains in the OECS region at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) level by:
- Promoting MSME cooperation
- Establishing stronger market linkages and business relations among MSMEs
- Increasing value creation within the blue economy
Who can apply? | Who cannot apply? |
|---|---|
A value chain group consisting of a minimum of three (3) enterprises, operating within the fisheries, coastal/marine tourism or waste management industries | Value chain groups with no blue economy MSMEs as members/partners |
MSMEs willing to sign an agreement with other MSMEs affirming their commitment to work collaboratively and achieve goals of their projects | Value chain groups with a public sector organisation or NGO as a member/partner |
Value chain groups containing a member/partner that is not registered in any of the three (3) UBEC project countries | |
Value chain groups submitting proposals that are not aligned with the blue economy. |
Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
- Minimum amount: USD 100,000
- Maximum amount: USD 200,000
- Minimum amount: USD 100,000
- Maximum amount: USD 200,000
Value chain groups consisting of multiple firms working collaboratively can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 USD
Value chain groups consisting of multiple firms working collaboratively can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 USD
February 12, 2025 10:30am
OECS MGP Unit publishes Call for Proposals
March 19, 2025 11:59 PM
Deadline for submission of proposals
How to Apply
Application Forms
Applications must be submitted using the Grant Application Form and Partnership Agreement. Applications must be completed in accordance with the instructions contained within the two (2) forms.
Applicants must apply in English. Hand-written applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted in Word or PDF.
Please read the Application Form Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions before beginning your proposal.
Information Sessions
Please note that the OECS Matching Grants Unit will schedule two (2) information sessions for MSMEs interested in applying for grants under this Call.
These sessions will be held on February 21st, 2025 and February 28th, 2025
Number of proposals and grants per MSME
MSMEs can only submit one (1) proposals per value chain group under this call
An MSME will not be awarded more than one (1) grant under Window 2
Deadline for Submissions of Proposals
The deadline for submitting proposals is Wednesday 19th March 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EST).
Any proposal submitted after the deadline will automatically be rejected.
Further Information about the Call for Proposals
All questions may be sent to no later than ten (10) working days before the deadline for submission of proposals.
The OECS Matching Grants Unit has no obligation to provide clarifications to questions received after this date. Replies will be given no later than five (5) working days before the deadline for the submission of proposals.
