The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a grant opportunity through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), offering a total of USD 190,000 to support regional events and conferences that advance the growth and competitiveness of the Caribbean’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Applications for this funding close on January 31, 2026, and the initiatives should be scheduled between March 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. The grant aims to support activities that facilitate policy dialogue, build capacity for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhance sector data and market intelligence, promote marketplace and trade activities, or preserve cultural heritage.
Fund Coordinator Malene Joseph emphasized that the CIIF seeks to empower Caribbean creative talent and businesses through targeted financial support, promoting policy dialogue, data-driven insights, and market readiness for creative MSMEs. The program intends to foster home-grown initiatives that strengthen the enabling environment for CCIs while providing practical opportunities for sector growth.
Six grants will be awarded under three funding streams. Two grants of USD 25,000 will support initiatives focused on improving the enabling environment for cultural industries. Two grants of USD 20,000 will fund data intelligence-themed activities, and the final two grants of USD 50,000 will finance MSME market preparation and market access initiatives. Eligible applicants include registered Business Support Organisations, NGOs, universities, Community-Based Organisations, or government agencies with at least three years of experience hosting industry events. Applicants are also required to provide at least 10% co-financing of the total project budget. Interested entities can apply through the CDB’s online portal, with a virtual consultation scheduled for January 14, 2026, to guide applicants.
Since its establishment in 2017, CIIF has aimed to enhance the global competitiveness of the Caribbean’s cultural and creative industries by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The fund provides both technical and grant support to stakeholders across CDB’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries, enabling creative industries in the region to grow and thrive.
