Background

Across the Caribbean, private sector companies are increasingly integrating sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations. However, access to appropriate financing remains one of the main barriers to growth and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Limited capital, high financing costs, and insufficient knowledge of alternative funding mechanisms continue to challenge business expansion and resilience efforts .

To help address these gaps, the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean (Network Caribbean), in collaboration with Data Minders Business Research, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre Caribbean (RCC Caribbean), launched a two-part webinar series: Empowering Caribbean Private Sector: Strengthening Grant Proposal Development.

The series provides an introductory yet strategic overview of the financing landscape, donor expectations, and the key elements of a competitive grant proposal. It also builds participants’ capacity to effectively engage with donors and identify opportunities for technical assistance and collaboration .

Session II focuses on innovation, safeguards, and institutional readiness to support access to sustainable finance.

Objectives

During Session II, the webinar aims to:

• Enhance capacity to develop results-oriented grant proposals.

• Promote awareness of sustainability financing opportunities and donor engagement.

• Highlight tools, resources, and support that help companies access grant financing.

• Provide insights on how private sector companies can align UN SDGs with their business models.

Expected Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

• Improved readiness to pursue sustainable financing opportunities.

• Better understanding of proposal development techniques and donor expectations.

Target Audience

• Companies participating in the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean.

• Stakeholders from Data Minders Business Research.

• Representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

• UNFCCC RCC Caribbean partners.