EU grants 7 million Euros to Jamaica’s BIGEE programme

Kingston, Jamaica. The European Union (EU) has contributed a non-reimbursable seven million euros towards Jamaica’s Boosting Innovation, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BIGEE) Programme. Finance Minister and Chairman of the boards of governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Dr. Nigel Clarke made the announcement, he said the grant will be used to complement the BIGEE Loan Programme.

Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke who was speaking at the visibility ceremony noted that the BIGEE programme was funded through a loan of 25 million US dollars in support of the government’s thrust to improve Jamaica’s business and entrepreneurship landscape.

Minister Clarke adds while funds are catered towards business reform, a key element of significance is innovation. He notes this programme is in keeping with the government’s commitment to promoting and investing in innovation. He also highlights the benefits of the BIGEE programme, noting the digital element of the programme gave most businesses a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen, Ambassador/Head of Delegation, European Union shared the same sentiments as Minister Clarke as she commended Jamaicans for being “innovative and enterprising” during the pandemic. “In this regard, I am pleased to note that the loan component of the programme has so far achieved encouraging results,” she further added.

Source: https://www.cvmtv.com/news/major-stories/eu-grants-7-million-euros-to-jamaicas-bigee-programme/