The Government of St. Lucia through the Caribbean Regional Infrastructure Programme (CARCIP) will be implementing a EC$2.5 million grant instrument to support ICT business incubation and training. Funds allocated for the business incubator services will support Government’s efforts to nurture local innovation.

The aim is to develop a more sustainable entrepreneurial base by providing financing for business development activities aimed at promoting the creation of an ICT-enabled industry.

The training grant will complement on-going efforts by Government to prepare the youth for the job market. The project will provide resources to train and certify youth on IT-related skills (e.g. software/apps development, database management and web development).

The training will be market-driven and accredited at the regional and international level.

CARCIP was officially launched in April 2013. The overall objective of CARCIP is to increase access to regional broadband networks and advance the development of the information and communication technology (ICT) and ICT-enabled services industry in Saint Lucia. Further information on eligibility and selection procedures for the business incubator and training grant will be made public in the coming months.