Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Supporting Micro, Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises
Building Stronger Businesses. Growing Our Economy.
Focused on enterprise creation and growth, this ministry supports local entrepreneurs and small business development through strategic guidance, access to resources, and enabling frameworks. It enables start-ups, nurtures micro-businesses, and integrates innovation into the national economy ensuring that small business is a cornerstone of vibrant economic transformation.
How We Serve Small Businesses:
Assist new business owners in developing comprehensive business plans.
Create opportunities for small businesses to market their products and services through
networking events and participation in business and trade fairs.
Offering training opportunities in key business management principles.
Guiding business owners through the process of accessing incentives and concessions.
Providing professional business advising supporting growth and success.
Incentives and Technical Assistance Guide
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, through the Small Business Development Act, 2009, provides a
framework to support the growth, development and sustainability of locally owned small businesses.
The Act provides for incentives and technical assistance to eligible businesses to help reduce operating
costs, encourage investment, improve productivity and support business expansion. Qualifying
businesses may be considered for incentives, including exemptions from or reductions in customs duty
on eligible imports.
To access incentives under the Act, a business must first be designated as an Approved Small Business.
Approval as a small business does not automatically guarantee every incentive; the business must also satisfy the applicable eligibility criteria and receive approval for the specific concession.
Priority Areas Under the Small Business Development Act
The Act identifies priority activities for small business development. These include:
- Tourism-related services, excluding hotels and restaurants
- Transport and storage
- Information, communication and technology
- Agriculture, forestry and related services
- Arts and cultural activities
- Construction services
- Entertainment services
- Fishing and mariculture
- Manufacturing
- Personal care services
- Repair of personal and household goods and vehicles
- Sanitation, sewage and refuse disposal services
- Sporting and recreational services
- Financial services, subject to the exclusions specified in the Act
Businesses operating in these priority areas may be considered for incentives, provided they meet the other applicable requirements.
Incentives Available to Approved Small Businesses
Under the Small Business Development Act, approved small businesses may be considered for the
following incentives, subject to eligibility, approval and any applicable conditions:
- Income tax reductions
- Tax relief on borrowing
- Corporate tax rebate
- Import duty concession
- Property tax reduction
The availability and extent of each incentive depend on the applicable legislation, the business’s eligibility and the approval granted by the relevant authorities.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
01 Compliance Checks
Status is requested from the St. Christopher &
Nevis Social Security Board, Inland Revenue
Department and SKELEC on whether the
enterprise is meeting its financial obligations.
02 Compliance Checks
Status is requested from the St. Christopher &
Nevis Social Security Board, Inland Revenue
Department and SKELEC on whether the
enterprise is meeting its financial obligations.
03 Decision
The request is submitted for the decision of the relevant authority.
What You’ll Need
Valid ID(s)
List of Items / Invoices
Statement(s) of Good Standing
Business Licence
All applications must be submitted by a legally registered business.
Business Plan
A business plan including a 24-month financial projection is required under the Small Business Development Act of 2009.
Approval of Business Status Form (ABS)
Used to officially designate the business as an approved small business, enabling access to incentives under the Small Business Development Act.
Looking for More Information?
Access important policies, forms and supporting documents related to Small Business Development and the Import Duty Waiver Programme.
ENTREPRENEURSHIp
Turning Ideas Into Opportunity. Cultivating innovation, empowering emerging entrepreneurs and building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across St. Kitts and Nevis.
About Entrepreneurship
Cultivating the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneurship Department is committed to cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial culture in St. Kitts and Nevis by planting the seeds of entrepreneurship and supporting emerging entrepreneurs from ideation to startup.
HOW WE SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURS
Entrepreneurship Education
Building the knowledge and skills needed to transform ideas into viable enterprises.
Mentorship & Guidance
Connecting emerging entrepreneurs with guidance and support throughout their journey.
Advocacy & Access
Promoting greater access to opportunities, resources and financial inclusion.
Visibility & Growth
Creating platforms for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, stories and ideas.
Building Bankable Businesses
Financial Literacy Program
The Building Bankable Businesses (BBB) Financial Literacy Program is an entrepreneurship development initiative designed to equip small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and practical skills needed to build stronger, more sustainable and bankable businesses.
The program focuses on areas such as financial management, budgeting, record-keeping, cash flow, pricing, credit readiness and business planning, while providing participants with practical guidance to strengthen their businesses and improve their ability to access financing.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MOTION
Amplifying Ideas. Elevating Entrepreneurs.
Interviews
In depth conversations with entrepreneurs and industry leaders
Educational Content
Practical business knowledge, tips and resources.
Business Spotlights
Showcasing local businesses, products and services.
Original Programming
Original content celebrating our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Features
Stories highlighting innovation, passion and perseverance.
Success Stories
Highlighting journeys of growth, impact and achievement.
Contact Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Our Location
Contact us at:
1 (869) 467-1203
Email us at:
Entrepreneurship: Creatv@gov.kn
Ministry: mosbecce@gov.kn
Follow us on social media: