Speaking on the latest initiative, Edwin-Walcott highlighted two specific funding windows designed to support regional businesses.
“There are two windows, essentially. One is the digital transformation grant where applicants can apply to receive up to 50,000 euro in grant assistance and the green transition applicants have the opportunity to access up to 100,000 euro in grant assistance,” she said.
Edwin-Walcott described the enthusiastic response from local businesses to the grant opportunities.
“It’s been phenomenal. We have a packed room. We first would have requested of the hotel to accommodate us for 30. By Friday we had over 100 applicants or registrants I should say and today we have over 60 people who have shown up,” she noted.
“This is essentially a general showcase of grants and access to finance generally, but also we’re speaking specifically about the eligibility requirements and the types of projects that will be eligible to qualify for those grants.”
She outlined the criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for funding.
“Eligibility requirements, you’d have to be a business that is registered in a CARICOM entity. So obviously, Saint Lucia is CARICOM, but you have to be registered in one of those countries, plus have at least two years financials and those other requirements that would basically give us an idea of your business and your track record to show that you’re not a startup,” Edwin-Walcott explained.
She emphasized the importance of sustainability and export readiness for applicants.
“Given the donor partnership that is the EU’s funds, we would have to ensure that we’re giving the funds to businesses that can make a difference, either they’re exporting or export ready and could show sustainability. We don’t want just to give these funds and after two or years we’re finished with it. We have to see that the companies have the ability to scale and to become competitive, whether regionally or internationally,” she said.
Export Saint Lucia has called on local businesses to embrace sustainability, digital transformation, and green innovation as key pillars of competitiveness in today’s global economy.
Speaking at the Expanding Access to Finance Workshop on October 27, Julie Scott, Finance Officer at Export Saint Lucia, said the timing of the session could not be more critical as global markets increasingly demand climate-conscious and technologically adaptive enterprises.
“Sustainability and innovation are no longer optional; they are essential to survival and growth,” Scott said. “We cannot speak about export competitiveness without addressing climate resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainable production. These are the hallmarks of the modern enterprise.”
Scott encouraged local entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the opportunities presented through initiatives like the workshop, emphasizing that such programmes are not just about financial support but about driving long-term transformation.
“We encourage all entrepreneurs present to seize this opportunity — not just for funding, but for transformation,” she urged.
Reaffirming Export Saint Lucia’s commitment to advancing resilience and innovation, Scott said the agency continues to work with regional and international partners to expand market access and promote sustainable economic growth.
“Together, let us continue to build a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable Saint Lucia,” she said.
The EU-backed grants are expected to provide a meaningful boost to Saint Lucian businesses seeking to enhance their operations, expand regionally, and compete on the international stage.