Running a small or medium-sized business in the Caribbean isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can be for the smart, the supported, and the strategic. Today’s entrepreneurs are no longer limited by size or geography. Whether you’re a fashion startup in Port of Spain or a green tech firm in St. Lucia, the tools to scale, export, and innovate are within reach. From free business accelerator programmes to grant funding and export-readiness support, Caribbean SMEs have more resources than ever before to thrive – if you know where to look.
Local Training & Mentorship
- The National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO) offers free monthly webinars and one-day workshops covering taxation, pricing, digital marketing, governance, and more.
- Their Business Accelerator Programme integrates training, mentorship, tailored advisory, networking and seed funding over 12–18 months, currently all free for participants.
- Under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) partnership, NEDCO also funds specialised capacity-building cohorts, including green business and business-continuity workshops, plus one-on-one support.
Grants & Financing
- The Micro & Small Business Grant Scheme (up to TT$20,000) under NEDCO supports registered SMEs with training and post-grant mentorship.
- The Government-backed SME Development Financing Facility offers bank loans with an 80% guarantee, great for growth-stage businesses.
- Through EXIMBANK + CAF, the new Catalytic Fund provides subsidised export finance with reduced collateral, helping businesses enter new markets.
Regional Platforms & Networks
- NUDGE Caribbean, with CDB & Massy backing, equips early-stage micro businesses with capacity-building, grants, retail space and mentorship, primarily women-owned micro-enterprises.
- CREATIVE-industry hubs like CreativeTT, MusicTT, and FashionTT regularly host export-readiness workshops, tailored programmes, and value-chain support for creative SMEs.
Don’t leave your business potential untapped. Whether you’re looking to improve your digital marketing skills, access funding, or expand into new markets, there’s a programme, platform, or partnership designed for you. Together, local and regional initiatives are lowering barriers and empowering SMEs to thrive across the Caribbean. Let’s build capacity – one business at a time.
