Government and GDB partner to empower young entrepreneurs

The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Grenada Development Bank (GDB), has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and GDB recently formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Youth in Business Fund. This program is designed to provide concessional loans, grants, and technical support to young individuals, with a particular focus on agribusiness ventures. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to foster youth entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Permanent Secretary Kim Frederick represented MOYS, while General Manager Royston Cumberbatch signed on behalf of GDB during the ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in St. George’s. The fund targets individuals aged 18 to 35, including unemployed and underemployed youth, fishers, agricultural workers, and agroprocessors. It will support businesses in areas such as apiculture, hydroponics, vertical farming, crop and livestock production, agro-processing, and climate-smart agriculture. Beneficiaries can access loans with a fixed interest rate of 1%, repayment terms of 5–7 years, and a maximum amount of EC$30,000, alongside grants of up to EC$3,000. Permanent Secretary Frederick emphasized the program’s potential to empower youth, create jobs, and enhance Grenada’s agricultural output. General Manager Cumberbatch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of youth as the backbone of the economy and the importance of providing them with practical financial and business support. To qualify, participants must register with the Youth in Business Project and complete mandatory training. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic development and youth empowerment in Grenada.