Eighteen business owners have received grants totalling $165,000 through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Programme, providing a major financial boost to local entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth.
The grants were presented by the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs during an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
According to a press release, funding was awarded to support business start-ups and development across several sectors, including food services, tours, auto mechanics, plumbing, electrical services, catering, logistics, laundry, spa services and senior care.
Recipients included businesses from Tortola and Virgin Gorda, while a business on Jost Van Dyke received an MSME grant for the first time. The programme has also previously supported businesses on Anegada.
Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting businesses throughout the Territory.
“I want to give you my commitment, to reiterate my commitment to ensuring that whatever support you can receive from the Government, whatever we can do to facilitate that support, we will do so,” Honourable Smith said.
She also encouraged the recipients to deliver high-quality services that reflect positively on the Territory.
“Make whatever service it is that you are giving as attractive as you can. And this is why we are giving you the kind of support that we are giving you. Not just to give any kind of service, but a good quality service. A service that the British Virgin Islands can be proud of.”
Deputy Director of Trade Dr. Lincoln Bobb described the grants as a practical demonstration of support for the 18 recipients.
“This grant funding is a direct vote of confidence in your vision, your hard work and your future. You are the backbone of our economy and today, we are putting real capital behind your momentum,” Dr. Bobb said.
“We cannot wait to see how you transform your businesses and strengthen the Virgin Islands.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith urged recipients to manage the funds responsibly.
“MSME grants are more than financial assistance. They represent an investment in people, businesses, jobs, innovation and the economic future of our community,” Mrs. Fahie-Smith said.
“The objective is not simply to spend the money, but to use it as a catalyst for growth.”
Business Development Manager and Master of Ceremonies Mr. Leroy James said the grant programme forms part of the Department’s broader commitment to business development.
Recipients were also encouraged to participate in the MSME Capacity Building Programme, which offers training in digital marketing, financial management and business continuity with support from the Caribbean Development Bank.
The grants were presented by the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs during an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
According to a press release, funding was awarded to support business start-ups and development across several sectors, including food services, tours, auto mechanics, plumbing, electrical services, catering, logistics, laundry, spa services and senior care.
Recipients included businesses from Tortola and Virgin Gorda, while a business on Jost Van Dyke received an MSME grant for the first time. The programme has also previously supported businesses on Anegada.
Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting businesses throughout the Territory.
“I want to give you my commitment, to reiterate my commitment to ensuring that whatever support you can receive from the Government, whatever we can do to facilitate that support, we will do so,” Honourable Smith said.
She also encouraged the recipients to deliver high-quality services that reflect positively on the Territory.
“Make whatever service it is that you are giving as attractive as you can. And this is why we are giving you the kind of support that we are giving you. Not just to give any kind of service, but a good quality service. A service that the British Virgin Islands can be proud of.”
Deputy Director of Trade Dr. Lincoln Bobb described the grants as a practical demonstration of support for the 18 recipients.
“This grant funding is a direct vote of confidence in your vision, your hard work and your future. You are the backbone of our economy and today, we are putting real capital behind your momentum,” Dr. Bobb said.
“We cannot wait to see how you transform your businesses and strengthen the Virgin Islands.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith urged recipients to manage the funds responsibly.
“MSME grants are more than financial assistance. They represent an investment in people, businesses, jobs, innovation and the economic future of our community,” Mrs. Fahie-Smith said.
“The objective is not simply to spend the money, but to use it as a catalyst for growth.”
Business Development Manager and Master of Ceremonies Mr. Leroy James said the grant programme forms part of the Department’s broader commitment to business development.
Recipients were also encouraged to participate in the MSME Capacity Building Programme, which offers training in digital marketing, financial management and business continuity with support from the Caribbean Development Bank.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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