Caribbean Development Bank Opens $190,000 Grant Fund for Cultural Industry Events
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched a new grant program, allocating US$190,000 to support regional conferences and events aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the Caribbean's Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). The funding, administered through the bank's Cultural and Creative
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched a new grant program, allocating US$190,000 to support regional conferences and events aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the Caribbean's Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). The funding, administered through the bank's Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), is now open for applications with a deadline of January 31, 2025.
Targeted Support for Sector Development
The grant call specifically targets events scheduled between March 2026 and February 2027 that address key development priorities. According to the CDB, eligible activities must focus on facilitating policy dialogue to strengthen the sector's enabling environment. This includes initiatives aimed at building capacity for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing sector data and market intelligence, promoting marketplace and trade activities, or preserving cultural heritage.
"CDB, through this grant call, aims to support home-grown activities that help unlock pathways for our creative Caribbean talent and businesses to become even more empowered," said CIIF coordinator, Malene Joseph.
Joseph emphasized that beyond policy dialogue and data-driven insights, the fund is enabling creative MSMEs by offering direct financial support for these targeted gatherings.
Grant Details and Eligibility
The bank will award six grants ranging from US$20,000 to US$50,000. Applicants must be formally registered entities such as Business Support Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, universities, Community-Based Organisations, or government agencies serving the creative industries sector. A key requirement is that entities must have at least three years of experience hosting industry events and must provide co-financing covering at least 10 percent of the total project budget.
The CIIF, established in 2017, operates across the CDB's 19 Borrowing Member Countries with the mission of making the region's cultural and creative industries globally competitive through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The fund provides both technical and grant support to stakeholders throughout the Caribbean.