Business View Caribbean | Volume 8, Issue 12

3 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12 G rants totalling nearly US$1M have been awarded to 61 small businesses in CARIFORUM member states to provide a bridge post-pandemic and increase exports in domestic and international markets. The Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) grant facility was implemented by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and jointly funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union. The TAP was set up after a survey exploring the impact of Covid-19 on businesses in the region found an overwhelming need for flexible funding over different time periods. The survey was carried out by Caribbean Export and the CDB. “We listened and responded swiftly to MSMEs during the pandemic by providing a significant boost to drive growth and innovation in major CARIBBEAN SMALL BUSINESSES AWARDED CLOSE TO US$1M IN GRANTS POST-PANDEMIC and emerging sectors. The programme will continue to invest in our businesses in the region to help generate jobs and opportunity for our people,” said Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. Businesses could apply for one-off grants of up to USD 15,000. They were encouraged to take part through online information sessions. Eligibility was based on simple criteria: a minimum of two years trading in a CARIFORUM member state. The facility provided support for a range of business activities, including business digitalisation, marketing, certification, protection of intellectual property rights and resource efficiency and renewable energy. “The European Union, for many years, has supported the development Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Caribbean through the Caribbean Export Development Agency. The O p e n i n g L i n e s