The Innovation Grant Fund is a product under the Boosting Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) Programme which will provide grants to support innovative projects by medium-sized enterprises. The grants will be used to assist in the development and commercialisation of new products, services, processes or new business models.

In April 2023, the DBJ, through BIGEE is introducing two new areas under its Innovation Grant Fund (IGF) programme.  The new areas are:

        –         Gender Inclusiveness – women-led businesses

        –         Climate Resilience – mitigation and/or adaption

These two new areas welcomed addition to our other areas. This additional funding was obtained from the European Union (EU), negotiated by the Inter-American Bank (IDB).

 Criteria for Gender Inclusiveness Projects – Women-led businesses

Gender inclusiveness transcends mere equality.  It is the notion that all services, opportunities and establishments are open to all people and that male and female stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations.  Studies have shown where there is a lack of women’s entrepreneurial participation and have illustrated the existence of challenges associated with accessing financial services and business networks. Supporting female entrepreneurs (women owned/led businesses) is a key strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction.

Applicants applying under these new areas should clearly show that the business is either women-owned or women-led and that the project will be innovative. It would be beneficial to show how the project will enhance women’s economic status or inclusion.

Climate Resilience Projects

Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate.  Improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create new, or alter current climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks.  Applicants applying under this window should clearly illustrate climate mitigation and/or adaptation measures through innovation in technologies and/ or methods that promote the reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and/or minimization of climate related vulnerabilities.