The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank), through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), is pleased to announce the launch of the Caribbean Stock Photography: Digital Business Solution Grant Call. This initiative offers up to USD100,000 in funding to support the development of a digital platform dedicated to Caribbean stock visual content.

The grant aims to centralise Caribbean visual resources, enhance commercial viability, improve multimedia archiving, and boost the overall competitiveness of the Region's visual arts and audio-visual subsectors. It is also intended to be a launchpad for attracting future investments and sustained operations.

“We’re looking for bold and innovative proposals that leverage technology to enhance access, efficiency, and sustainability in Caribbean stock photography and by extension the Creative sector,” said Ms. Lisa Harding, Head, Private Sector Division (Ag), Caribbean Development Bank. “By providing financial and technical support, we are empowering visionaries to create solutions that not only showcase the Region’s diversity and talent but also contribute to its economic growth.”

The grant is open to citizens of CDB’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries, ages 18 and older, who operate a formally registered business, and have at least five years’ experience in software development, including the design and development of digital e-commerce platforms.

Applications for the Caribbean Stock Photography: Digital Business Solution Grant Call close on May 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AST). To access general information on CIIF and the current call for proposals visit https://www.caribank.org/ciif. Applications can be submitted via the Bank’s online portal accessible at https://cdb.submittable.com/submit. 

A webinar has also been arranged for those interested in applying but in need of further information on Friday May 16, 2025 at 10:30 am AST. Potential applicants can register here https://bit.ly/4jULeaI for the webinar.

The grant is part of CIIF's Enabling Environment Grant Stream, which supports initiatives that foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the Caribbean's cultural and creative industries.

Established in 2017 with an initial capitalisation of USD2.6 million, CIIF is a multi-donor fund managed by CDB. Its goal is to enable the Region’s cultural and creative industries to be globally competitive.