Across the Caribbean, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in driving private sector growth. Firms employing fewer than 20 people account for approximately 60% of all businesses, yet many entrepreneurs face significant barriers to finance, markets, and business support. For women-owned MSMEs, which represent nearly one-third of registered enterprises, these barriers can limit their ability to grow, create jobs, and contribute to wider economic development.
Edward Dixon
On 18 June 2026, Commonwealth Alumnus Edward Dixon brought together women and youth entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda for a symposium on access to finance. Held at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus, the event connected business owners with key stakeholders to explore practical routes to growth and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Edward Dixon is a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus.
Addressing the finance gap
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates a US$93 billion financing gap for women-owned MSMEs in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for better access to finance, markets, and practical business support.
In response, Edward, along with the Small Business Development Council (SBDC), organised a one-day hybrid symposium for women and youth entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda. Around 60 participants joined to explore financing options, build business knowledge, and identify practical strategies to support growth.
The symposium raised awareness of local and regional financing opportunities, while creating space for entrepreneurs to discuss barriers, build business connections, and strengthen links with public and private sector stakeholders.
Financial institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and credit unions, also took part, providing participants direct access to potential financing partners and business support providers.
Bringing stakeholders together to support entrepreneurs
The symposium combined expert insight with practical discussion. Financial sector representatives, including Mrs Carmen Gomez-Trigg of the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation, shared guidance on available support, while roundtables and a Q&A gave participants space to raise questions and explore ideas directly with stakeholders.
Opening remarks from Professor Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus, and Ms Joy-Marie King, Director of International Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, highlighted the importance of women- and youth-owned MSMEs to economic growth and government initiatives available to entrepreneurs.
Discussions explored key barriers that can prevent MSMEs from accessing finance, including information gaps, informality, limited financial management capacity, and risk-averse lending practices. Participants also identified challenges around export readiness, financial literacy, business support services, e-commerce, and mentorship, underlining the need for coordinated and practical support to help entrepreneurs prosper in Antigua and Barbuda.
Assessing impact and next steps
Edward used pre- and post-event surveys to assess the symposium’s impact. Before the event, many participants had limited awareness of financing options, government support programmes, and loan application requirements before the event.
Afterwards, participants reported greater knowledge and confidence, with participants identifying practical next steps to strengthen their businesses and improve access to finance. Feedback also showed strong demand for future sessions on grant funding, investor engagement, youth entrepreneurship, and sector-specific challenges.
Building on this momentum, Edward is developing a ‘Steps to Business Sustainability Programme’ for small businesses in Antigua and Barbuda. Through workshops, mentorship, and student consultancy, he hopes the programme will help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and pursue growth and financing opportunities with greater confidence.
Edward Dixon is a 2015 Commonwealth PhD Scholar from Jamaica. He completed his PhD in Social Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London.
