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UBEC/OECS Announces MSME Training Series in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to Boost Grant-Readiness and Business Resilience 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 PMVenue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, KingstownRegister by: Nov 7, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/XpLyK5e194QSjoww6You 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 PMRegister by: Nov 10, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/mUF1EQsa5cuaZbDr8You 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 PMRegister by: Nov 14, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/Cd2ZAziitDtM8HXa7You 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 PMVenue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, KingstownRegister by: Nov 21, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/df3ZFQsun3VYBAMP7You 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 PMVenue: Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) Conference Room, KingstownRegister by: Nov 28, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/SMtzVpTMXaq6QDGE9You 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 PMRegister by: Dec 2, 2025Registration: https://forms.gle/SCjcafnMTGWDC4w27You 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 1funding. 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: [email protected] SVG BDS Contact (Simone Murray): [email protected] Submit applications: [email protected] 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.
