Business View Caribbean | October 2022

32 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 However, Blenman is quick to point out that the BSE, as a market regulator, cannot and does not sell investments, instead focusing on educating people on how to get involved. Innovation and Growth Market (IGM) The IGM targets Small Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) in Barbados and complements the ISM of the BSE. Formerly known as the Junior market, the rebrand was highly strategic to ensure the name captured the actual characteristics of that market segment. “We chose the name because the companies we are targeting to list are typically highly innovative and are on a growth trajectory,” explains Yarde. As Yarde explains, the BSE is currently working with local state agencies and business associations to help identify and transition SMEs to list on this market segment. “The BSE is working with the Ministry Energy and Business (MEB) and the Small Business Association (SBA) of Barbados to develop a listing ecosystem for SMEs that conforms to stock exchange standards for listing.” “We have approached a regional Development Bank for grant funding to prepare SMEs for listing on the IGM of the BSE. The program is divided into three (3) phases.” “The First Phase is the Sensitization and Education Phase, where we approach companies through the Small Business Association and explain to them the project and if they are a suitable candidate. Once we identify those companies, we move to the Second Phase, the Diagnostic and Capacity-Building Phase. “During this Phase, we target companies with the capacity to list and help prepare them from a corporate governance perspective, including