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We don’t want business owners to be ‘disadvantaged’- Dr Lincoln E. Bobb

- MSME Grant awardees receiving more than monetary assistance
Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment, Promotion and Consumer Affairs has said the awarding of grants to Mirco, Small and Medium Enterprises is just part of the department's investment. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Twenty-three entrepreneurs have received grants from the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs on Friday, August 39, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Twenty-three entrepreneurs have received grants from the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs on Friday, August 39, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment, Promotion and Consumer Affairs, has said the department does not want the business owners it has invested in to be disadvantaged, hence the reason why support continues following the awarding of grants.

Twenty-three entrepreneurs formed part of the second cohort of grant recipients under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Programme. The ceremony was held on Friday, August 29, 2025. 

"The grants programme is the cornerstone of the National Business Bureau…which is a comprehensive hub of interconnected initiatives, designed to support you every step of the way,” Dr Bobb said. 

The department, he told grant recipients, really wants them to succeed and that their success is a focus. 

A complete toolbox

Dr Lincoln asked the business owners to think of this programme as a “complete toolbox”.

This toolbox includes:

  • A mentorship programme: connections with prominent business people are made. “So you don't have to make the same mistakes they made; you want them to talk to you and give you advice and help you move forward 
  • A training and development programme: this will assist in developing business knowledge. “Every business person there are gaps in their knowledge, and we want to make sure we fill those gaps and you are able to succeed.” Contact has been made with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), and the University of the West Indies (UWI) to support the programme. Discussion is also being held with a university based in Malta for additional support. 
  • One-on-one consultations: For seeking expert advice or just to talk with someone.
  • Innovation Lab: A physical space for using the internet, conducting research or holding meetings with clients.

“We don’t want you all to be disadvantaged in any way. So all these pieces come together to create a seamless, comprehensive programme that’s geared to give every business owner the tools needed to grow their business and achieve their dreams,” Dr Bobb said. 

The total amount awarded to members of the second cohort of the MSME Grant Programme tripled from $100,000 to $300,000.

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), said this development was made possible through the continued commitment of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). 

See link to related story 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/23-entrepreneurs-receive-msme-grants

6 Responses to “We don’t want business owners to be ‘disadvantaged’- Dr Lincoln E. Bobb”

  • Entrepreneurship (01/09/2025, 08:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is good. I applaud the last paragraph of the article. If you strong stand firm on those principles you listed out this would work. Held the Entrepreneurs accountable.
  • resident (01/09/2025, 09:10) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is great but you all need to stop making it so hard for people to apply for trade licenses, it's ridiculous the things that you require or you won't even accept the forms
  • Cindy (01/09/2025, 11:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    so no locals to do this wuk
  • WEW (01/09/2025, 15:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We. all now that if you want a business license that MIGHT compete with an existing business owned by an island big name forget it. DENIED. Comptition is not welcome. It will cut into profits by lowering prices. God forbid
  • Lb (01/09/2025, 15:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where he from again? Nobody locally is talented, skilled or experienced enough to hold these positions?
  • Lorna… (01/09/2025, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not in your corner - many years ago I tried for a trade licence- an opportune peak at my file whilst the clerk left the counter “that family has enough business already “ signed by her or words to that effect. it’s who you know and good f luck. I sure nothing changed since then. Independence the say! Ha ha.


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