CIU Launches $10, 000 EC Micro and Small Business Grant Programme
Empowering Local Business. Fuelling Sustainable Growth.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Kitts and Nevis is celebrating its first anniversary as a statutory body with the launch of the Local Micro and Small Business Grant Programme, a brand-new initiative offering EC$10,000 in grant funding to 25 micro and small business owners across the Federation.
In partnership with First Federal, this programme goes beyond financial support to offer training, capacity building, and long-term access to financial tools that help local entrepreneurs grow, professionalise, and succeed.
Applications are open to registered micro and small business owners who meet the following requirements:
Apply online in minutes!
Submit your business details, upload proof of licences, and tell us how the grant will impact your business.
“This support is vital to help small entrepreneurs move from survival to sustainability. By investing in these businesses, we are investing in our national economy and shared prosperity.”
This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to build a Sustainable Island State—creating jobs, supporting homegrown businesses, and ensuring that economic growth is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
Help shape the future of business in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Grants will be awarded to independently owned and operated micro or small businesses, with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than EC$60,000. Other criteria as follows:
Yes. Funding must be used for business expenditure only including raw materials, staffing, equipment, marketing etc.
Grants will be awarded to upward of 25 companies across the Federation in the first phase.
To enable us to maximise the number of small businesses we can support, grants will be awarded on a one-time basis to each business.
Applicants must provide a brief business description, evidence of 12 months track record, business licence and all other certification for operation such as food handling certificates, driving licence, professional reference etc.
No. There is no fee to apply.
No. Only one application per applicant will be considered.
Applications must be submitted by 17 October 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed based on total score against eligibility criteria as well as other factors including impact, feasibility, innovation and alignment to the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
Successful applicants will be notified no later than Friday 25 October 2025 via email or phone. Please provide a preferred contact method when you submit your application. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications only successful applicants will be contacted.
Funds will be disbursed via First Federal business accounts to each awardee.
Yes. All awardees must keep records of expenses and may be asked to provide receipts or reports.
Yes. All awardees will be invited to a ceremony in collaboration with the CIU and First Federal, during which further details will be provided on the programme including the training and development component.
No. Accounts will be created for all grant awardees, where required, into which funds will be deposited.
No these are not required at the point of application, however you may be asked for them later in the process.
Yes absolutely! Please upload your farmer’s licence in place of a business licence.
No – it is a grant, not a loan. There is no repayment requirement.