Caribbean Development Bank Launched Women's Tech Facility
The USD550,000 initiative aims to bolster women-led clean energy businesses across eight Caribbean nations.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Caribbean Development Bank has introduced the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility to support women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises. This program provides technical and financial resources to bridge the gap between clean energy innovation and commercial viability.
Why it matters
Women-led businesses in the green economy often struggle to secure necessary financing, technical expertise, and professional networks. This initiative addresses those systemic barriers by fostering collaboration between regional entrepreneurs and academic institutions.
The facility is valued at USD550,000 and spans a three-year period. It includes a dedicated USD100,000 R&D grant for one women-led business focused on science, technology, or product development.
The players
Caribbean Development Bank
This regional financial institution focuses on promoting economic growth and social development within its member countries.
Supporting Resilient Green Energy Programme
This Government of Canada-funded initiative provides the foundational financial support for the new tech facility.
The details
The program offers mentorship, business coaching, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. Participants are required to work alongside Caribbean and Canadian academic institutions to advance their clean energy projects.
Timeline
The program operates over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028.
Applications for the R&D grant facility are scheduled to open in Q1 2027.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the Supporting Resilient Green Energy Programme, marking a strategic pivot toward inclusive climate action in the region. By formalizing support for women in technology, it reflects a broader global shift toward integrating gender parity into green economic development.
Entrepreneurs in the participating countries can leverage this program to access mentorship and specialized business coaching. Those in the science and tech sectors should begin preparing their research proposals ahead of the grant application window in 2027.
The takeaway
This facility provides a concrete pathway for women to secure capital for green innovation through academic and financial partnerships. Interested applicants should focus on establishing ties with local or Canadian academic institutions to meet program requirements.
What happens next
Applications for the R&D grant facility will open in Q1 2027, allowing qualified women-led businesses to apply for the USD100,000 funding.
Further reading
For broader trends in gender-focused initiatives, visit the Women’s Issues section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribank.
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Do targeted grant programs effectively help women-led businesses succeed in the green energy sector?
