Government Holds Final Msme Awards
The Department of Trade hosted the final Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Award Ceremony for 2025 on 19 December in Road Town, reaffirming the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship. Ministers and department leaders highlighted expanded outreach, training, digitalisation and mentorship as part of a wider strategy to strengthen businesses across all islands.
The Government of the Virgin Islands hosted its final Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Award Ceremony for 2025 on Friday, 19 December in Road Town, bringing together grant recipients, officials and business leaders to celebrate small business achievements and outline ongoing support for entrepreneurs across the Territory.
Smith, OBE, responsible for financial services and economic development, congratulated recipients and emphasised that the grants are designed to support business development and accountability. "The government is investing in you, the people," she said, urging recipients to use funds wisely and to make use of available training and support programmes.
She reiterated the administration’s commitment to modernising systems and removing inefficiencies to make the business environment more responsive to entrepreneur needs. Lincoln Bobb, Deputy Director for Business at the Department of Trade, underlined the Department’s drive to move beyond office-based services into communities, prioritising training, mentorship and digital transformation.
He outlined several initiatives being rolled out or expanded, including entrepreneurial education programmes, community outreach, the creation of an Entrepreneurial Zone and further digitalisation of services to improve the ease of doing business. “We exist to really support you, the business community,” Dr.
Bobb said, adding that the future remains bright for MSMEs in the Virgin Islands. Leroy James, Business Development Manager at the Department of Trade and master of ceremonies, said the grant programme reflects the Government’s belief in local entrepreneurs and their potential to drive national development: "This MSME grant award is not only about handing out grants… we believe in your dreams." Keynote speaker Sinclair Flemming, CEO of P3: Paper Plastic Products Inc., encouraged recipients to define success, seek mentorship and allocate capital strategically. "Don’t trap yourself in a life that you don’t want," he advised, stressing that psychology and long-term vision matter as much as financing.
Permanent Secretary Natalie Fahie-Smith delivered the vote of thanks, praising the creativity and innovation represented among recipients and encouraging continued engagement in the Territory’s economic development. The Department also noted a recent grant to Lawrence "Bunchie" Wheatley of Anegada, highlighting support that reaches entrepreneurs on the outer islands.
The MSME Grant Programme is part of a broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs through financial assistance, training, mentorship and policy reform as the Virgin Islands works to build a resilient and inclusive economy. Residents seeking more information can contact the Government of the Virgin Islands at 1 (284) 468-3701 or email BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
Primary source: BVI Government