BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, July 22, 2026 – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) has approved US$232,000 in grant funding to strengthen the capacity of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) across its Borrowing Member Countries, enhancing their ability to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 11 programme, the technical assistance initiative will support the delivery of four specialised training programmes and the deployment of a web-based SME credit scoring and risk rating platform to participating DFIs throughout the Caribbean.
The project forms part of CDB’s commitment to building stronger financial institutions capable of driving private sector development and increasing access to finance for businesses that are critical to economic growth and resilience.
Participating DFIs will receive training in SME credit risk management, specialised sector financing for agriculture and renewable energy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and compliance, and climate and sustainability finance instruments. The programme will also provide participating institutions with access to the SME eSMART digital credit assessment platform, enabling more efficient and consistent evaluation of SME loan applications.
“Lending capital alone is not enough to transform economies,” said Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice President, Operations, Caribbean Development Bank. “Strong institutions are essential to ensuring that finance reaches the businesses and sectors that will have the greatest development impact. This initiative will equip Development Finance Institutions with the technical expertise and digital tools needed to strengthen lending decisions, support innovation, and expand financing for enterprises that contribute to resilient and inclusive growth across the Caribbean.”
Development Finance Institutions play a vital role in addressing financing gaps faced by SMEs, particularly in sectors that are often underserved by commercial lenders. The initiative responds to identified capacity needs across the regional DFI network and is expected to strengthen institutions’ ability to assess credit risk, structure financing for climate and renewable energy investments, integrate ESG considerations into lending, and mobilise finance for sustainable development.
The project will be delivered in partnership with Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS), leveraging regional expertise and internationally recognised training providers to deliver practical, Caribbean-focused learning.
“The Caribbean’s economic transformation will be driven by entrepreneurs, but enabled by strong institutions,” said Lisa Harding, Division Chief, Private Sector, CDB. “Development Finance Institutions play a pivotal role in unlocking investment for businesses that generate jobs, foster innovation, and build resilience. By strengthening their capacity, CDB is helping to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable private sector across the Region.”
The programme is expected to benefit at least 11 Development Finance Institutions across the Caribbean, providing training opportunities for more than 300 professionals through a series of online courses delivered over multiple sessions.
The project aligns with CDB’s Strategic Plan 2026–2035 by strengthening institutions, accelerating climate action, advancing digital transformation, and building both economic and environmental resilience across the Region.
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