Women-led businesses in Dominica are eligible for a new US$550,000 programme designed to help women entrepreneurs develop and commercialise clean energy solutions across the Caribbean.
The initiative is being delivered through the Caribbean Development Bank's SheTrades Caribbean Hub, a facility that supports women-owned enterprises in accessing markets, finance and technical assistance. The programme will provide funding and support to women entrepreneurs working in renewable energy, energy efficiency and related fields.
The SheTrades Caribbean Hub is part of a wider regional effort to increase the participation of women in the clean energy sector, which is seen as a key growth area for small island developing states. For Dominica, the programme offers an opportunity for women running small businesses to access capital and expertise that can help them turn clean energy ideas into viable commercial ventures.
Clean energy is a priority for Dominica, which has pursued geothermal development and other renewable sources as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The island's geothermal potential has been the subject of exploration and development for years, and small-scale clean energy solutions could complement larger projects.
Women entrepreneurs in Dominica operate across a range of sectors, from agriculture and tourism to retail and services. The new programme is expected to attract applicants from businesses looking to expand into clean energy or to improve the energy efficiency of their existing operations.
The Caribbean Development Bank has supported renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across its member countries, including in the Eastern Caribbean. The SheTrades Caribbean Hub is implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre, which runs the global SheTrades initiative to connect women entrepreneurs to markets.
Details on how to apply, eligibility criteria and deadlines are expected to be made available through the Caribbean Development Bank and its partners. Women-led businesses in Dominica interested in the programme should monitor official channels for further announcements.
The US$550,000 initiative is regional in scope, meaning Dominica's entrepreneurs will be competing with counterparts from other Caribbean countries for support. However, the programme's design is intended to ensure that businesses from across the region can benefit.
For Dominica, the programme aligns with broader national goals of sustainable development and economic diversification. The government has emphasised the importance of small business growth and has sought to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.
Women in Dominica have been increasingly visible in business and leadership roles, and programmes that target women entrepreneurs are seen as a way to address persistent gaps in access to finance and technical support. The clean energy focus adds a new dimension by linking business development to the transition away from fossil fuels.
The Caribbean Development Bank's involvement signals continued regional interest in supporting clean energy enterprise. As the programme rolls out, more information is expected on the specific types of support available, including grants, training and mentorship.
Dominican women entrepreneurs who are already working on clean energy projects or who have ideas for new ventures are encouraged to prepare for the application process. The programme represents a concrete opportunity to access funding and expertise in a sector that is central to the Caribbean's future.
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