The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit (CIU) is pleased to announce the awardees of the inaugural Micro and Small Business Grant Programme. A total of 36 businesses have been named in the first phase of this programme to receive a grant of EC$10,000, representing a diverse cross-section of industries that contribute to the fabric of the Federation’s local economy.
The inaugural cohort includes snackettes, creative studios, beauty and wellness services, trucking and logistics companies, agriculture and fisheries operations, digital and technical service providers, retail businesses, and community-focused enterprises.
Notably, due to the significant volume of exceptional applications, the CIU made the decision to increase the number of awardees to 36, listed below, from the original allocation of 25, ensuring that even more small businesses could benefit from this highly competitive Grant.
Business Name:
5Trees Bar and Lounge
B & J Auto Body Repairs
Balang & Lynn Eatery
Bro-Bread
Camp David Fish Farm
Cnet Systems
Coconut Tree Bar & Grill
De Canteen
De Tights Lady
Diamonds By D
EliteFashion Accessories
Express Trucking & Logistics
Ez Shop Mini Mart
Greenlight Tyre Repairs
Heavenly Produce
Hugo’s Joinery Shop
Island Bombshell
Israel Heavy Equipment and Trucking
Jahnika’s Glam Spot
Jamie’s Creations
Kavvie’s Kreative Kollections
Kulture’s Farm
LBass Art Studio
Leonie’s Nursery
Love At First Bite
Onsite Angels
Pure Niceness
Savellefashion
Say Nuh More
Seal My Sip
SLVL The Brand
SOULFOOD Kitchen
Squeeze Me
The Emerald
Vikiesha Beauty Salon
Wax Memories
This initiative represents a direct investment in the Federation’s economic landscape. By empowering business owners with the EC$10,000 grant, the CIU aims to ensure innovation in creating jobs, and filling critical market gaps. The grant programme further contributes to long-term growth and resilience.
Crucially, the programme intentionally included micro enterprises, recognising that the smallest businesses are often the ones facing the greatest challenges when seeking access to capital or formal support.
The programme prioritised businesses aligned with the Prime Minister’s Dr. Terrance Drew’s Sustainable Island State agenda including those advancing renewable energy, food security, technology, culture, tourism, and sustainable enterprise models.
This approach ensures that the grant programme not only assists individual entrepreneurs but also reinforces the broader national transformation vision.
To ensure long-term growth and operational strengthening, the CIU partnered with First Federal Credit Union, an institution well-respected for its longstanding history of supporting small and micro enterprises.
H.E. Calvin St. Juste, Executive Chairman of the Board of Governors, CIU said “The grant programme was created to support micro and small businesses that are making a meaningful impact, businesses that innovate, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.”
“The overwhelming volume of applications we received demonstrates just how much talent and potential exists within our local business community. Your hard work, dedication, and ideas stood out for your ability to make a difference. We are proud to support your growth, and we look forward to seeing your businesses continue to flourish,” said St. Juste while acknowledging the efforts of the small businesses during remarks delivered at the official grant award ceremony.
In addition to receiving funding, awardees will benefit from access to key business services including payroll systems, accounting support, and financial management tools.
“We are delighted to partner with the CIU on this groundbreaking initiative which is perfectly aligned to our mission to make financial success first-nature,” Dawne Williams, CEO, First Federal Credit Union.
As this inaugural programme concludes its first phase, the CIU extends its congratulations to all awardees and its appreciation to every applicant who participated. The level of innovation, determination, and community impact demonstrated throughout the process has reaffirmed the Federation’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and the vital role small and micro businesses play in shaping our shared future. This initiative is only the beginning.
The CIU remains committed to expanding opportunities, fostering economic empowerment, and ensuring that the benefits of the Citizenship Programme continue to meaningfully uplift the people and businesses of St. Kitts and Nevis.