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30 applications received for Small Business Grant

- Cabinet appointed Committee to sift through applications
October 3rd, 2024 | Tags: grant funding micro small medium business Lorna G. Smith
Deputy Premier and Minster for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) Thirty (30) applications have been received for the Small Business Development Grant Programme. Photo: JTV
A Cabinet appointed committee will review applications for the Small Business Development Grant Programme which was launched in 2024 for businesses already in operation in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
A Cabinet appointed committee will review applications for the Small Business Development Grant Programme which was launched in 2024 for businesses already in operation in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Thirty (30) applications have been received for the Small Business Development Grant Programme aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and stimulating economic growth in the Virgin Islands (VI).

The application period for the grant closed on Monday, September 30, 2024, and Deputy Premier and Minster for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) said the receipt of the thirty applications is “quite impressive”.

The grant programme will offer financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 to help micro, small and medium-size businesses overcome financial barriers and invest in their growth and expansion. The funds can be used for various purposes, including the purchase of essential equipment; Inventory management; Marketing and sales support; Employee development; Technology and software acquisition; Professional fees; and Business certification costs.

Cabinet appointed committee to review applications

Hon Smith was speaking to JTV Channel 55’s Cathy O. Richards on September 30, 2024, when she said a committee will sift through the applications received.

This committee, she said, was recently appointed by Cabinet. “There are criteria to be met, and those applications will be reviewed and we are hoping that within the next couple of weeks we will be able to announce the successful applicants,” she said.

Hon Smith said she hopes more funds will be made available for a second tranche of the grant to be done as she is very pleased with what she termed as the “excellent” response for this first tranche.

Following the deadline, she said several people showed interest in the programme adding, “I said to them let’s wait for the next tranche as I call it and I’m hoping would be successful. So, there are opportunities for persons to continue to apply for these grants," the Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade stated.

12 Responses to “30 applications received for Small Business Grant”

  • I’m loving it (03/10/2024, 12:46) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Great. Wishing all the applications the best.
  • WHAT!!! (03/10/2024, 13:33) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope each application will be very carefully vetted so we don’t end up with another fisherman /farmer theifing of public money.
    • @WHAT!!! (03/10/2024, 15:57) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Now you know Ms. Lorna is going to be fair and make sure everything is going to be run the right way and in the proper manner that it should.
  • Lorna Getting Things Done (03/10/2024, 14:18) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Can anyone else in that government say that same?
    This grant opportunity is a great opportunity for small businesses in the territory. May it continue in the future.
  • great (03/10/2024, 20:14) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Great opportunity here but for real will even $7k provide something meaningful for any small business? Might as well make it easier and just give the money away as 7k would what barely make payroll for 2 months?
  • Tadow (03/10/2024, 20:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Madam Hon. Smith, do you really find 30 applications to be quite impressive? You and the Government chastised the banks for their conventional methods of issuing loans to small businesses (the kettle call the pot black) and turn around and issued a laundry list of prerequisites necessary for small businesses to qualify, especially that BS of obtaining a police certificate. In comparing your prerequisites to Republic Bank its like night and day. I give Republic Bank an A for effort. The Government get a F plus for effort.
  • Tadow (03/10/2024, 20:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Government of these Virgin Islands pledged $400,000.00 in hurricane relief effort for St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada in 2024. In contrast $400,000.00 should have been for small business grants and $100,000.00 pledge in hurricane relief effort for St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Did those countries had to get a police certificate? I remembered after hurricane Irma Ralph insulted our intelligence by sending us fruit trees.
  • Money for cronies (03/10/2024, 22:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much does the board cost the taxpayer in salaries , rent, expenses? Just to give more money away to friends.
  • jack (04/10/2024, 00:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I need help,I pay $7400 in tax last year now this year were slow,you people giving out too much trade license to now belongor and they giving it to people to business,they don't pay no tax.
  • ausar (04/10/2024, 00:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Come on, Lt.Premier, Creque- Smith!

    Now we all know, one to seven grand, ain't going no where to help none of these businesses!

    What these businesses need, are solid infusion of grants, ranging from five to fifteen grand!!

    You know, it's a shame when those in the community, with the wherewithal to afford luxury bags, of ten grand or more,each, can't apply similar "luxury style" assistance, to those in time of need!!
  • Pitchfork Trust (04/10/2024, 09:21) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope Lorna see all those trust companies outsourcing the work and the white man who name after a chess piece who claim them is good friends which allow he to push jobs outside the BVI.
  • Impossible (04/10/2024, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only 30 applicants applied and there are over 1000+ small businesses in the Virgin Islands. some of the stipulations needs to review. Some businesses are suffering just like single parents withh the high cost of living in the territory. I understand that they want to monitor the finances and give account for but we have to try to help our people.


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