FAQs

• The MSB Grant Scheme is a programme established by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) to support entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago.
• It is designed to provide essential financial support and resources to eligible applicants. The grant is accessible to persons who have either:
  1. A Business Idea;
  2. A Start-Up; or
  3. Existing Business.

• The National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO) is responsible for implementing and administering the Grant Scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS).

• Citizens and legal residents over the age of 18 years with a new business idea, start-up (registered but not operational) or existing business.

• Applicants can access up to $20,000 (TTD).

You can only apply online at  msbgrant.com

No, you will not be required to repay the grant.

Before applying you should at least have:

• Two forms of valid Trinidad and Tobago identification (national identification card, passport, or drivers permit).
• If you have only one form of identification, then you must produce your original birth certificate as a second form of identification.

The scheme covers a wide range of sectors including Entertainment, Transport and Logistics, Food Sales and Processing, Agriculture, forestry, fishing, Plumbing, Electrical, Welding & Fabrication, Auto Repair, Real Estate, Air Conditioning, Personal Services, Pet Shop, Photography and Videography, Graphic Design and more.

Transport and Logistics Food sales and processing Agriculture, forestry, fishing Plumbing and electrical Welding and fabrication Auto repair

Air conditioning Personal services Artisan products Administrative support Virtual assistance

Cleaning and maintenance Construction and engineering Distribution and Trading Healthcare

Real estate

Apparels and accessories Advisory services

• The Grant Scheme does not cover Alcohol Related Businesses, and any illegal activity.

Beneficiaries of the following Government Grant Programmes within the past two (2) years will not qualify for the MSB Grant Scheme:

• Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) – Ministry of Social
• Development and Family Services
• Grant Fund Facility (GFF)- Ministry of Trade and Industry
• THA Business Development Unit Enterprise Assistance Grant Program.
• Agriculture Finance Support Programme – Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
• Youth Agricultural Homestead Program (YAHP) – Ministry of Youth Development and National Service

This policy has since been revised and thus, this information will have to be removed from the FAQs and anywhere else it may be mentioned.

• Start-ups (registered but not operational):

  • Applicants MUST own 50% or more of the business.
  • Forecasted turnover for the first year’s trading must be less than $250,000.
  • The business MUST be registered.

  *(Sole Traders and Partnerships – Certificate of Registration)

  *(Limited Liability Corporations- Articles of Incorporation, Notice of   Address & Notice of Directors)

          Existing Businesses 

  • Applicants MUST own 50% or more of the business.
  • Turnover of less than $250,000, over the last 12 months.
    • The business MUST be registered.

  *(Sole Traders and Partnerships – Certificate of Registration)

  *(Limited Liability Corporations- Articles of Incorporation, Notice of   Address & Notice of Directors

For start-ups and existing businesses, your business MUST be registered to be eligible for the MSB grant.

• Certificate of Registration and proof of assignment of BIR number.
• For existing businesses proof of business operations including receipts, invoices, contracts (not older than 18 months)
• Proof of business address (Utility bill not older than 3 months)

*(If utility bill is not in your name please submit a letter of authorization from owner along with copy of owner’s ID)

*(If business is operated from residential address, the same applies)

Yes– For start- ups and existing businesses:

• Sole Trader Businesses – Personal BIR number.
• Incorporated entities- Company BIR number.

Your pathway to the MSB Grant includes a 3-week Entrepreneurial Development Training, Business Advisory sessions and Mentorship support.

The key stages include:

• Submission of your application
• Verification of your documents
• An Assessment of your application to determine your Grant Pathway
• Assignment to relevant Grant Pathway
• Submission, Assessment and Approval of your Business Plan
• Disbursement of Grant
• Monitoring and Evaluation of successful grant applicants.

Successful applications are assessed based on the eligibility criteria, quality of documentation, alignment with government objectives, viability, and sustainability of the business.

You will be contacted by an MSB Grant Representative.

1. Applications are processed chronologically.  You will be contacted when your application reaches the evaluation team.

1. Only your first application will be used.  Subsequent applications will not be reviewed.  Each applicant will be contacted by an MSB Grant Representative who will review the application.  At this point, any clarification or additional information required can be raised with the MSB Grant Representative.

1. Applications may be declined if the applicant operated a similar business within the last five (5) years, has tax or insurance arrears, or has an unspent criminal conviction.

1. Yes, you will be.  There are two levels of notifications.

   First level, – if you are unable to not meet the mandatory requirements or are unable to upload the required documents during the application process, you will receive a notification advising that your application was unsuccessful.

   Second level, if your application was uploaded successfully and your documents were reviewed and assessed but your application was not approved for the grant, an MSB Grant Representative will communicate with you. 

You may be unable to submit your online application due to any of the following reasons:

• If you are attempting to submit attachments with a file size that is greater than or equal to the 3MB size limit on attachments.
• If you are attempting to submit zip files.
• If all the mandatory fields on the application form were not filled out.
• If you are using mobile phones with low data and/or spotty service coverage which is not sufficient to support an application with several attachments.

Solutions: 

• • Ensure that each attachment is less than 3MB. If any attachment is greater than or equal to 3MB, the online application would not be accepted. 
  • Compress any attachment that is greater than or equal to 3MB to reduce its size. If required, there are many free online apps which can be used to compress the required attachments.
  • Only Word, Excel, PDF, and Image files are accepted (pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, csv, jpg, jpeg, and png).
  • Ensure that all mandatory questions are answered. These are the questions with the asterisk (*) next to them.
  • It is recommended that applicants use a computer or mobile device with a stable WiFi connection.

Mentorship is provided to applicants who receive financial support.  Mentors will provide ongoing advice, guidance, and support.

The Monitoring and Evaluation exercise aims to ensure the effective implementation and success of the Micro and Small Business Grant Scheme, assess its impact, and gather insights for continuous improvement.

To ensure you are well-prepared with all the necessary documents and information before beginning your application, consider the following steps:

• Review Application Guidelines: Carefully read through the application guidelines and requirements provided by the MSB Grant Scheme.
• Use a Checklist: Review the checklist we have provided, this contains all the required documents and information. This will serve as a handy reference as you gather the necessary materials.
• Collect Documents in Advance: Begin gathering the required documents well in advance of the application deadline. This allows you ample time to ensure everything is in order.
• Seek Assistance: If you are unsure about any document or information requirement, do not hesitate to reach out to the MSB Grant Team or seek guidance from mentors or advisors who have experience with grant applications.
• Double-Check: Before you start the application, double-check that you have all the documents and information on the checklist. Ensure that they are complete and up to date.

For more information please email [email protected] or call 821-5800 ext. 2013/2017/2018.

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