BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it is providing a grant of US$190,000 to support the hosting of regional events and conferences that advance the growth and competitiveness of the Caribbean’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

CDB said that the funding is being provided through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) and that the deadline for applications is January 31, next year.

Established in 2017, CIIF enables the region’s cultural and creative industries to become globally competitive by fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainability. The fund delivers technical and grant support to stakeholders across the bank’s 19 borrowing member countries (BMCs).

The CDB said that the proposals are for events and conferences scheduled between March 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027 that address key development priorities for CCIs and that eligible activities should focus on facilitating policy dialogue to strengthen the enabling environment for CCIs.

These include building capacity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve competitiveness; enhancing sector data and market intelligence; promoting marketplace and trade activities; and 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, adding, “Beyond facilitating necessary policy dialogue and building data-driven insights, CIIF is further enabling creative MSMEs by offering financial support to these targeted events.”

The region’s premier financial institution said that six grants ranging from US$20,000 to US$50,000 will be awarded and that applicants must be formally registered entities, including business support organisations (BSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), universities, community-based organisations (CBOs), or government agencies serving the creative industries sector.

Entities must have at least three years’ experience hosting industry events and provide co-financing of at least 10 per cent of the total project budget.

Established in 2017, CIIF enables the region’s cultural and creative industries to become globally competitive by fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainability.