The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives & the Creative Economy (MSBECCE) of St. Kitts and Nevis have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business development across the Federation.
This strategic partnership will promote capacity building, knowledge sharing, and collaborative project development focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. Through this agreement, the two institutions will jointly deliver technical services, training, and advisory support to entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and creative industry stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis.
CARIRI, a regional leader in technology-based support services, brings decades of expertise in industrial materials, food and agribusiness, analytical sciences, environmental management, and entrepreneurship development. With a proven track record of nurturing ideas from concept to commercialization, CARIRI is ideally positioned to support the Ministry’s efforts to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives & the Creative Economy established in 2022, has rapidly evolved into a dynamic and multi-disciplinary ministry, integrating departments focused on entrepreneurship, small business development, cooperatives, cultural heritage, and the creative economy. This partnership with CARIRI enhances the Ministry’s ability to deliver targeted support to businesses at every stage—from ideation to scale-up.
The MOU outlines joint commitments to:
- Facilitate access to CARIRI’s suite of analytical, research, and innovation services;
- Co-develop innovative solutions that promote entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth;
- Deliver training and workshops in areas such as business development, innovation management, and creative enterprise;
- Pursue collaborative research, development, and innovation (RDI) initiatives;
- Share resources and technical expertise;
- Explore joint funding opportunities to enhance enterprise competitiveness and market access.
Ms. Delrine Taylor, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry noted, “This agreement is a turning point in our mission to build a resilient, innovative, and entrepreneurial economy,” said Ms. Delrine Taylor, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry. “With CARIRI’s support we will further empower local MSMEs, especially in the creative and cooperative sectors, with the tools and insights they need to thrive.”
CARIRI CEO Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz emphasized the regional importance of this partnership. “This collaboration reflects CARIRI’s commitment to building innovation capacity across the Caribbean. We are excited to bring CARIRI’s technical and advisory expertise to support the entrepreneurial aspirations of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The official signing took place at the Minister’s Conference Room at Port Zante, witnessed by representatives from both organizations and members of the local media.
