Optimizing Innovative Finance for Underserved Groups Programme – Antigua and Barbuda

The Joint Programme ‘Optimizing innovative finance for underserved groups to build resilience and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Antigua & Barbuda and St. Lucia’ is being implemented through the Joint SDG Fund. The Joint Programme focuses on two countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) – Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia – and seeks to address barriers faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by presenting new approaches to promote substantive equality through redistribution, recognition, participation and transformation.

This assessment was motivated by the need to redress or remedy disadvantage through an assessment of barriers and obstacles that limit options for access to finance by MSMEs. This requires that MSME owners have both a voice and space in the creation, evaluation, adaptation and closure of programmes and financial instruments that are meant to encourage business start-up and scale-up.