The Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP), in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the Innovative Finance Pilot Programme. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to bolster local businesses by reducing borrowing costs and enhancing access to financial resources through a mix of grants, loans, and interest subsidies. The programme is a key component of broader efforts to foster financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda.
Eligible participants include Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Youth Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, and Female Business Owners. Applicants must operate registered businesses that contribute to local employment and economic development. Selected participants will benefit from complimentary training and mentorship in financial literacy, business planning, and entrepreneurial development, equipping them with the tools to scale their ventures.
Application forms are available at the EDP Office, located in the Sagicor Financial Centre, St. John’s. Submissions must include a cover letter referencing the UNDP Pilot Programme and must be received by October 31, 2025. Interested individuals are urged to apply promptly to seize this transformative opportunity.
The UNDP, operating in 170 countries and territories, champions sustainable development and inclusive growth. The EDP focuses on providing financial access to small entrepreneurs, while the ABIA drives investment and business development in Antigua and Barbuda. Together, these organizations aim to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.