The Innovation Grant Fund (IGF) is a product under the Boosting Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) Programme.  The IGF provides grants to support medium-sized Jamaican businesses with innovative projects to grow their businesses. The grants must be used to assist in the development and commercialisation of new products, services, processes, or new business models.  The Grant is opened to all in the productive sectors of the Jamaican economy. 

In April 2023, the DBJ, through BIGEE introduced two new areas under the IGF programme.  The new areas are: 

        –         Gender Inclusiveness – women-led/owned businesses 

        –         Climate Resilience – mitigation and/or adaption 

These two new areas are welcomed addition to our other areas (productive sectors).  The expansion to include these two new areas of focus is as a result of additional funding obtained from the European Union (EU) that was negotiated by the Inter-American Bank (IDB). 

Criteria for Gender Inclusiveness Projects – Women-led/owned 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 that supporting female-led/owned businesses makes good economic sense, as these companies generate wider economic, social and environmental benefits. Supporting female-led/owned businesses can contribute to raising female labour force participation, thereby helping to reduce poverty risks. At the same time, framework conditions that make it easier for women to have professional careers, or establish and run a business successfully, are key to seeing more female-led businesses emerge and thrive. 

 

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

Climate Mitigation/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.  

                                                                    APPLY NOW

THE INNOVATION GRANT FUND WILL PROVIDE GRANTS UP TO J$20 MILLION.

The projects that are eligible for financing by the Innovation Grant Fund must be INNOVATIVE!

The following expenditures can be financed by the Program: 

  • Specialized consultancy services: market studies, specialized technical assistance and management consulting;

  • Product upgrading, including product packaging and label design, certification in corresponding regulatory agencies, marketing, production of samples for market testing;

  • Purchase of key processing inputs;

  • Inputs and machinery to improve productivity;

  • Training services;

  • Equipment purchase and maintenance (laboratory, digital, etc.);
  • Intellectual or industrial property protection;

  • Prototyping;

  • Knowledge management;

  • Development of an Innovative Business Plan;

IGF INFO

IGF'S Beneficiaries

Innovation, skill that make a meaningful difference for your business

Health - Intermed t/a Windward Road Medical ComplexEducation - One-on-One Educational Services The UCC AcademyICT - Innovera Ltd Innovate 10XManufacturing & Agriculture - Bare Nutrition Sherwood Coffee Company Chilitos Shavot International HoldingsLegal & Environmental - PeterMc & Associates Environmental Solutions Ltd.

Since 2020 – 2023 we have awarded grants to 12 medium-size companies, representing DBJ’s investment of approximately J$200 million.  The beneficiary companies are in the productive sectors to include technology, health, educational, manufacturing, and environmental. 

Resources

IgF Beneficiaries

More Products