The Small Grants Facility Criteria (SGF) offers grants of less than TOP$ 6,000 to support micro and small businesses, prioritising those led by women, youth, people living with disabilities, and other community-based businesses that have not received previous grant support from BLP.
Funding: Grants available under the SGF will be under TOP 6,000 based on a detailed project budget.
Who Can Apply: Micro and small businesses with less than 20 employees in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The SGF prioritises women, youth, people living with disabilities, and other community-based businesses that have not received previous grant support from BLP.
Business Requirements: Businesses must have been operational for at least six months, have a valid bank account and be registered or able to be registered in their country.
Categories: Proposals must demonstrate impact on any of the following:
- Growth: Support for business expansion.
- Innovation: Funding for new ideas, products, or services.
- Inclusion: Projects promoting equal access for underserved groups.
- Access to Finance: Helping secure additional funding.
- Climate: Initiatives addressing climate change.
Impact: To be considered, the proposal should generate positive economic or social outcomes, such as job creation, market expansion, or environmental sustainability.
Disqualifying Activities: Grants cannot be used for regular operating expenses (e.g. rent), debt repayment, or the purchase of goods and services not directly related to the project.
Documentation: The application must include necessary business and financial documents, such as Business registration (if applicable), financial statements, and a project plan detailing how the grant will be utilised.
Application Process
- Check Availability: Confirm SGF availability in your country.
- Prepare Application: Identify your project and relevant categories.
- Submit Application: Apply online or via hard copy, with local BLP partner assistance, when needed.
- Assessment: Applications are reviewed by the BLP Grant Assessment Panel.
- Follow-Up: Successful applicants must refine their project plans and objectives with a BLP-designated business advisor.