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.
Matching Contribution
The MGP offers financial assistance through two (2) distinct windows: Window 1 focuses on supporting individual MSMEs, while Window 2 is dedicated to assisting MSME value chain groups.
Window 1 - Individual enterprises can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 USD
Window 2 - Value chain groups consisting of multiple firms working collaboratively can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 USD
Window 1 Timeline
October 16, 2024 10:30am
OECS MGP Unit publishes call for proposals
November 19, 2024 11:59pm
Deadline for requesting any clarifications from the MGP Unit
November 24, 2024 5:00pm
November 29, 2024 11:59pm
Deadline for submission of proposals
Eligibility Guidelines
For an MSME to qualify, it must meet the following criteria:
- Be legally registered and operating in one of the following OECS Member States: Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Provide Articles of Incorporation, Business Name Registration or other documentation which substantiates the legal character/registration of the entity in country of operation.
- Have been in operation for at least two (2) years, supported by financial or bank statements for the last two (2) years.
- Have less than fifty (50) employees and generate under 1,000,000.00 EC Dollars annually
- Demonstrate a commitment to growth, job creation (particularly for women), innovation, and building back better
- Able to articulate a credible demand for the types of products and services they are offering.
- MSMEs should not be engaged in activities that lead to significant degradation of natural habitats or in practices that lead to negative environmental impacts.
Selection Criteria
The OECS Evaluation Team will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:
- The relevance, quality, feasibility, and expected impact of the proposed solution for the MSME.
- Connection to the coastal tourism, fisheries or waste management sectors.
- Budget, rationale, and scalability.
- Level of innovation
- Expected environmental impact
- Sustainability of the Project
Eligibility Checks
In addition to the selection criteria outlined above, MSMEs shortlisted for award must meet the following criteria:
- Provide proof of adequate financial resources to satisfy their match obligations.
- Provide evidence that corroborates specific funding requests.
How to Apply
Application Forms
Applications must be submitted using the Grant Application Form and Grant Budget Form. 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 October 30, 2024 and November 12, 2024 at 10am.
Number of proposals and grants per MSME
MSMEs can only submit one (1) proposal under this Call.
An MSME will not be awarded more than one (1) grant under Window 1.
Deadline for Submissions of Proposals
The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday 29th November 2024 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.
