ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica has launched an EC$1.2 million grant application scheme aimed at helping small businesses upgrade their services through digital technology.
Digital Economy Minister, Fidel Grant, speaking at launch of the project (CMC Photo)Digital Economy Minister, Fidel Grant said small businesses can receive up to EC$40, 000 in funding under the scheme.
“Today, we are happy to launch the digital innovation grant. The government is providing the opportunity for individuals and small businesses to receive a grant of up to EC$40,000 in funding to exploit digital technology and tap into and access new markets, introduce products and services and develop new cost effective ways in its operations.”
Grant said that the programme will allow successful businesses to qualify for funding to invest in information technology (IT) related equipment.
“This grants target small business owners who wish to develop an e-commerce website, conduct market research,” he said,adding there were businesses here that needed to be located through Google maps.
“We also need to pay for your goods and services on line. Through this grant, you can now engage a specialised technician, or service provider to enhance your on line presence,” he said, adding that the small businesses that qualify could use the grants to purchase licences for various IT products.
Grant said that to qualify for the programme, the small business owner must be a Dominican national, 18 years or old and registered with the Inland Revenue Department and the Social Security.
“Since this project targets small businesses, you must have no more than five employees with annual gross income of less than EC$150,000. We wish to state clearly that funds under this project cannot be used for investments in equipment that are not directly related to the critical operations of the business.
“The funds cannot be used for liquidation debt, construction of facilities and structures, purchase of stock, real estate or vehicles,’ Grant said, adding that the application period will run for three weeks, bringing the project to a close on December 21 this year.
