By Admin. Updated 3:43 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A Vincentian-owned business is among ten (10) recipients of US $10,000 seed grants from the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative (ECEI) as part of its Greenpreneurs Incubator program.
The Vincentian business – SVG Microgreens is owned by Shane Compton, a press release from the Centre for Enterprise Development CED announced today (November 30).
“SVG Microgreens combines traditional organic farming methods with technology in a controlled environment agriculture which allows them to produce crops that are more nutrient-dense than traditional vegetables. The business thrives on its use of certified organic seeds, soil, and fertilizer for crops and never spraying pesticides on its produce,” the press release stated.
According to the press release, ECEI announced that SVG Microgreens was among the greenpreneurs selected from the program’s third cohort because their exceptional green businesses have exhibited remarkable dedication and innovation in the realm of sustainability.
The ECEI says it is dedicated to fostering and championing environmentally and socially responsible business endeavours within the Eastern Caribbean region.
According to the press release, the other green businesses to receive the US $10,000 seed grants are from Grenada, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to the ECEI, every one of these worthy enterprises has exhibited outstanding potential within their specific industries, showcasing a distinct dedication to sustainability and a determination to contribute positively to environment and/or social issues, the press release stated.
They not only completed all the assigned tasks with precision but also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and green business practices. The rigorous selection process for these grants included a comprehensive evaluation of each participant’s business plan, environmental and social impacts, financial projections, and potential for long-term success, the press release stated.
The grantees showcased an impressive blend of innovation and environmental and social responsibility, putting in the hard work required to meet the stringent criteria set by the selection committee. The seed grants aim to offer financial backing, enabling them to advance their initiatives and expand their activities, according to the press release.
“We are excited to unveil the awardees of the $10,000 seed grants for the 3rd Cohort of the Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. These enterprises exhibit significant potential to catalyze sustainable transformations in our region. With this initiative, our goal is to equip them for elevated success, nurturing a future where green innovation flourishes, “commented Dr. Kristin Deason, Caribbean Representative at GGGI. She extended heartfelt congratulations to each winner and expressed anticipation for their growth and achievements in the future at the graduation event for the 3rd cohort held on Nov 20th, 2023, according to the press release.
In May, five (5) other Vincentian-owned businesses were awarded this seed grant in the second cohort of the ECEI, the press release stated.
The Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Incubator program is a free, carefully curated training and mentoring program designed to support green entrepreneurs to build robust and sustainable business models, and the skills, tools, and confidence to implement them for success. The program featured a 12-week virtual green business training based on the lean start-up methodology, a mentorship program 1-on-1 coaching and networking opportunities culminating in the Business Plan Competition. The program is part of the Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Initiative which was launched in 2021 and is being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with the OECS Commission with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), according to the press release.
The initiative also features a green business Accelerator Program, which supports established green businesses through interest-free loan financing and access to a green investor network, the press release stated.
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