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23 entrepreneurs receive MSME grants

Twenty-three entrepreneurs have received grants from the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs on Friday, August 30, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in the Territory’s economic vision. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in the Territory’s economic vision. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Twenty-three entrepreneurs have received grants from the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs.

The department hosted its second Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Distribution Ceremony on Friday, August 29, 2025, awarding grants to a diverse group of entrepreneurs, many of whom operate in the agricultural sector.

This year's cohort reflects the growing diversity of the Territory’s business community and serves as reassurance to small businesses about the expanding ecosystem and support being fostered by the Department of Trade.

The event took place at the BVI International Arbitration Centre, bringing together grant recipients, government officials, and business stakeholders.

Grants moved from 100K to 300K

Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in the Territory’s economic vision and announced increased efforts for this year’s grant distribution.

She noted that financial support for the program has significantly grown from $100,000 to $300,000, thanks to the continued commitment of Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

Minister Smith emphasized the government’s vision of a diversified and self-reliant economy stating, “Many individuals are benefiting from this program, particularly in agriculture. Eight years ago, we faced great challenges as a country, but today we are resilient and supporting ourselves. Agriculture and food security are vital,” stated Honourable Smith.

Nineteen of the new cohort, formally presented with cheques, were each recognized for their potential to contribute meaningfully to the Territory’s economy.

MSMEs encouraged to apply for the grants

The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, encourages more entrepreneurs and small business owners to apply for the MSME Grant Programme.

This initiative is open to a wide range of sectors and is designed to provide essential financial support, build resilience, and create growth opportunities.

12 Responses to “23 entrepreneurs receive MSME grants”

  • … (30/08/2025, 08:10) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    To much red tape free the money
  • Entrepreneurship (30/08/2025, 11:42) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s concerning to see some individuals already receiving their 3rd, 4th, or even 5th grant. This raises important questions about financial responsibility and money management. At some point, entrepreneurs should be able to demonstrate that they can leverage their own resources—for example, even $10,000 in personal funds—to access greater opportunities through the banks. The lack of accountability in how grants are managed is something that truly needs to be addressed within our entrepreneurial community.
    • question (30/08/2025, 17:25) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Who is applying? Businesses might be doing well and want to expand. These are eligible to apply. Are persons applying for the first time and are eligible and not being awarded?? That is the $10K question
      • Entrepreneurship (30/08/2025, 21:13) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        If you’re still begging for $10k after 3 years in business (post-pandemic) that’s not survival, that’s either poor money management or straight greed. If you already collected funding from Irma, pandemic relief, Unite BVI, or other sources and still can’t stand on your own, then you’re just depending on handouts instead of running a real business. Some of those entrepreneurs need to be ashamed of themselves and higher proper management to run the books as I seem to be the problem better ownership, cause some of the Management’s only running a business to the ground.
  • HMMM (30/08/2025, 17:13) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well i guess they picked who they friends with!!
  • Who you know (31/08/2025, 03:28) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sent in my grant with every requirement they asked for, not even a response to know if it was accepted, now months down the line I see this article.

    If y’all want to give ayo people money stop passing it off as grants and wasting people who really want start small businesses time!
  • cobra (31/08/2025, 09:20) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    17 fg years been asking for help with a small struggling business and no help,instead political parties rmove my business and teams of white people took my equipment and sold them while i was in jeopardy. 2017 hurricanes after pleaing for help i was not even looked at then here comes covid and again my applications for grants never came through not even a phone call.HERE NOW THERE S PEOPLE GETTING GRANTS NOT ONLY ONCE OR TWICE BUT 3 TIMES AND SOME ARE NOT EVEN FROM TOLA..LOOKOUT who giveth and who COLLETETH because its time TO TAKETH AFKGWAY.
  • Shittybambam (31/08/2025, 09:30) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Are you ms aint helping locals who been begging for about 16 years for help with a business,from kedrick pickering turning his head,from jugee in the 4th telling me to go university,kye in the 5th not responding to my hurricane applications for business helping grants. Now are you helping the same immigrant over and over with grants. Well GRAVE REAPER and ROBIN HOOD run out of MERCY,TOLA JUST TUN UP.
    • @Shittybambam (31/08/2025, 11:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Am i hearing correctly? 16 years and you are still in the same spot/predicament? I think its time to close up shop because it seems you haven't learnt anything over the years and sorry, to say you are lacking the skills required to run a successful business. I am not trying to be mean. If you decide to respond to me, please also include the type of business you are presently involved in. I might be able to provide you some help, ie some ideas to propel your business forward. To make it successful, you will have to do the extra work and go the extra mile though.
  • Tsk! (31/08/2025, 13:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    They helpling who dont need help!!!
  • @@Shittybambam (31/08/2025, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not me but you have to remember you can be in your 60s and have a stroke or divorce. Number of years in business does not matter. To feel ignored for years is not a good feeling when the majority community do help each other for free from time to time. 300k is nothing to give away to local business compared to the $100 million loan most of which will end up in foreign lands.
  • @Who you know (31/08/2025, 20:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yessi my last word was if you need anything else email me. They have us competing for a laugh.


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