UBEC/OECS Announces MSME Training Series in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to Boost Grant-Readiness and Business Resilience

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the World Bank–funded Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, is rolling out a focused series of MSME Training Sessions in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to help entrepreneurs in Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management strengthen their operations and submit competitive proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 1).

Window 1 offers USD $5,000–$25,000 to eligible MSMEs. These trainings are designed to build the exact skills evaluators look for; clear problem definition, realistic budgeting, measurable results, recordkeeping, pricing, customer service, and basic financial literacy, so MSMEs can grow sustainably, create jobs, and compete.

Training Schedule & Registration

1) Grant Proposal Writing – In Person

Dates/Time: Nov 10, 14 & 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
​Venue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, Kingstown
​Register by: Nov 7, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/XpLyK5e194QSjoww6
​You will learn to:

• Identify the right grant and key components of a strong proposal
• Define the problem, beneficiaries, outputs/inputs/outcomes/impact
• Craft measurable indicators; make projects S.M.A.R.T.
• Build sustainability and a credible budget
• Map activities, roles, responsibilities and sequencing; draft the proposal

2) Fundamentals of Marketing –Online

Dates/Time: Nov 11–13, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
​Register by: Nov 10, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/mUF1EQsa5cuaZbDr8
​You will learn to:

• Understand core principles and the 4Ps
• Distinguish sales vs. marketing
• Identify your target customer and reach them on a budget

3) Customer Service – Online

Dates/Time: Nov 18–19, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
​Register by: Nov 14, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/Cd2ZAziitDtM8HXa7
​You will learn to:

• Deliver excellent service and handle complaints
• Focus on the customer and communicate professionally (incl. phone etiquette)
• Manage stress while maintaining a positive attitude

4) Recordkeeping Basics – In Person

Dates/Time: Nov 25–26, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
​Venue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, Kingstown
​Register by: Nov 21, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/df3ZFQsun3VYBAMP7
​You will learn to:

• Understand why records matter and what to keep (incl. retention periods)
• Apply basic accounting concepts and a one-book system
• Generate simple management accounts to guide decisions

5) Costing & Pricing Basics – In Person

Date/Time: Dec 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
​Venue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, Kingstown
​Register by: Nov 28, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/SMtzVpTMXaq6QDGE9
​You will learn to:

• Differentiate price vs. cost; identify cost types in your business
• Cost your product, choose pricing models, and calculate breakeven & margins

6) Understanding Financial Statements – Online

Date/Time: Dec 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
​Register by: Dec 2, 2025
​Registration: https://forms.gle/SCjcafnMTGWDC4w27
​You will learn to:

• Read the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss
• Interpret performance and use insights to improve operations

Why This Matters

These practical, hands-on sessions will immediately strengthen how you run your enterprise and directly improve your ability to secure UBEC Window 1funding. Whether you’re a fisher upgrading gear, a tour operator enhancing services, or a waste entrepreneur scaling recovery/recycling, these skills are essential to growth, resilience, and export-readiness.

Apply for the Grant

• Window 1 – Call for Proposals: https://bit.ly/3WfsZm1
• About UBEC: https://oecs.int/en/unleashing-the-blue-economy
• Programme info: [email protected]
• SVG BDS Contact (Simone Murray): [email protected]
• Submit applications: [email protected]

The OECS Commission and UBEC encourage all Blue Economy MSMEs in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to register, attend, and apply. Invest in your skills, sharpen your proposal, and unlock opportunities to grow your business and the Blue Economy.