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 1 funding. 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• 📧SVG BDS Contact (Simone Murray): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• 📤Submit applications: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.