Department of Trade hosted its final MSME Grant Award Ceremony For 2025 on December 19, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Director for Business at the Department of Trade, Dr. Lincoln E. Bobb underscored the Department’s mission to actively support businesses and strengthen the local economy. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, congratulated grant recipients and commended the Department of Trade for its continued efforts to strengthen the MSME ecosystem. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

The ceremony brought together grant recipients, government officials, and members of the business community to recognise the achievements of MSMEs and to highlight the range of support initiatives available to entrepreneurs across the Territory. Photo:Government of the Virgin Islands.

The final cohort under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant for 2025 was awarded their grants on December 19, 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

He reaffirmed this commitment during the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs final Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Award Ceremony for 2025. A total of 17 grants were awarded during the ceremony which took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Road Town. 

The future remains bright for MSMEs in the Virgin Islands

He noted that the Department has expanded its outreach beyond the office and into communities, while also prioritising training, mentorship and digital transformation. "We exist to really support you, the business community,” Dr Bobb said, adding that the future remains bright for MSMEs in the Virgin Islands.

Dr Bobb also highlighted several initiatives being rolled out or expanded, including entrepreneurial education programmes, community outreach, the establishment of an Entrepreneurial Zone, and plans for further modernising and digitalising services to improve ease of doing business.

Department of Trade continues to strengthen the MSME ecosystem 

Delivering remarks also at the ceremony, Honourable Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, congratulated the grant recipients and commended the Department of Trade for its continued efforts to strengthen the MSME ecosystem. 

She reminded recipients that the grants are intended to support business development and accountability. “The government is investing in you, the people,” Honourable Smith said, encouraging recipients to use the funds wisely and to take advantage of available training and support programmes.

Hounourable Smith also reiterated the Government’s commitment to modernising systems, addressing inefficiencies, and ensuring that the business environment becomes more responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs.

The ceremony brought together grant recipients, government officials, and members of the business community to recognise the achievements of MSMEs and to highlight the range of support initiatives available to entrepreneurs across the Territory.