OECS Blue Economy Project Targets SVG Entrepreneurs with MSME Training

A screenshot from the OECS application video featuring a blue economy-themed scene.

By Val Matthias. Updated 12:16 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the World Bank funded Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, has launched a series of training programmes in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in key sectors of the blue economy.

The initiative is part of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 1), which provides between US$5,000 and US$25,000 to eligible businesses. The training focuses on enterprises in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management, areas identified as critical for SVG’s sustainable development and resilience.

According to the OECS Commission, the sessions are designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills evaluators look for when assessing grant proposals. These include problem definition, budgeting, measurable results, record keeping, pricing, customer service, and financial literacy.

In addition, practical areas such as marketing, customer service, recordkeeping, costing and pricing, and understanding financial statements, the training seeks to bridge gaps that often hinder MSMEs from accessing finance and scaling operations. By building these competencies, MSMEs will be better positioned to grow sustainably, create jobs, and compete regionally.

The OECS has underscored that strengthening MSMEs is central to the region’s economic resilience. A recent release highlighted that the training is not only about grant readiness but also about business resilience, ensuring that small enterprises can withstand shocks and contribute to long-term growth.

The UBEC Project, launched in 2022, is a multi country initiative spanning OECS member states, aimed at unlocking the economic potential of marine resources while safeguarding ecosystems. In SVG, the programme aligns with national priorities to expand opportunities for youth and women entrepreneurs, improve competitiveness, and foster innovation in ocean-related industries.

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