The Tribune

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is calling for the private sector to submit proposals for grant funding from the European Union (EU).

The funding is from both the Accelerated and Regular Procedures grant facilities, which come under the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme. This is part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union (EU) under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

The Direct Assistance Grant Scheme is a reimbursement grant funding facility designed to provide assistance to legally registered firms, individuals and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) who have the potential to export products and services.

Caribbean Export said it is hoping for a record number of applicants, after conducting a series of grant-related workshops across CARIFORUM during 2012 and 2013.

Grants of up to $30,000 can be received by firms that meet the eligibility criteria, and whose applications are accepted and are exporting, or demonstrate their potential to export goods and services.

“The announcement of this facility is timely in view of many of the region’s private sectors requiring financial assistance to develop or enhance their businesses to be more competitive in the international market,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Caribbean Export’s executive director.

Applicants are encouraged to work with their national BSOs, who have been trained to provide assistance when preparing applications.

The Call for Proposals deadline is March 7, 2014, and more information about the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme can be found at www.carib-export.com.