From OECS Communications

MSMEs in Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management Sectors encouraged to attend

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) initiative, is pleased to announce a series of Information Sessions in Saint Lucia. These hybrid sessions (Virtual and Physical) will provide critical insights into the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, which offers funding and business development support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the blue economy.

All MSMEs involved in the fisheries, marine tourism, or waste management sectors are encouraged to attend the information sessions to learn how to benefit from this transformative programme. Whether you’re a fisher looking to innovate, a tour operator wanting to grow, or a green entrepreneur ready to scale; UBEC is here to help you thrive.

In addition to financial support, MSMEs can benefit from Business Development Services (BDS) including training in financial management, business continuity planning, marketing and export readiness. These services are designed to equip MSMEs with the tools they need to scale their operations and align with the principles of a sustainable blue economy.

Upcoming Information Sessions – Dates, Times & Locations

Saint Lucia

• Castries: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Castries City Council
• Gros-Islet: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Gros-Islet Human Resource Development Centre
• Laborie/Choiseul: Thursday, June 12, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Choiseul Fisheries Complex
• Soufriere: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Cool Breeze Conference Room/Soufriere Primary School
• Anse La Raye/Canaries: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Parish Hall, Anse La Raye
• Dennery: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Dennery Adventist Church
• Vieux-Fort: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – 6:00 PM, Ministry of Commerce Conference Room

Virtual Access:
​All sessions will also be streamed via Zoom to allow optimum participation 

Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79932879590?pwd=y8oNP54hbo8g6b3SqnfejamxlW4iFM.1

We also encourage all attendees of the UBEC Information Sessions to take a few minutes to complete our online survey, which will help us better understand your business needs and tailor support through the Matching Grants Programme. 

Simply click the URL link below to get started!

https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/u6Adq6zs

About the UBEC Project

The Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) is a regional initiative designed to unlock sustainable growth from the Eastern Caribbean’s marine resources. Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the OECS Commission, UBEC strengthens the sectors of fisheries, marine tourism, and waste managementacross Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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About the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme

A flagship UBEC activity, the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme offers targeted financial support and business development services to MSMEs operating within the blue economy.

• Window 1: Grants from $5,000 to $25,000 USD for individual MSMEs
• Window 2: Grants from $100,000 to $150,000 USD for value chain partnerships

These grants support innovation, sustainability, and climate resilience in ocean-based economic activities, while enhancing competitiveness, especially for women entrepreneurs.

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For more information, contact the UBEC Project Team via:
​Email: [[email protected]]

​UBEC Web Page: https://oecs.int/en/unleashing-the-blue-economy

Matching Grant Programme Web Page: https://oecs.int/en/unleashing-the-blue-economy/mgp/call-for-proposals