CDB continues to support reforms that enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create an enabling environment for private investment. This includes initiatives to improve property registration, insolvency legislation, commercial contract enforcement, and business facilitation processes. In 2024, the Bank launched Born Here, Grow Here!, an initiative to reduce the outflow of talented graduates by supporting enterprise growth and creating more opportunities at home. To further catalyse investment, the CDB Investment Forum will showcase de-risked, high-potential development projects to attract private sector financing.

Strengthening business support organisations, MSMEs, and financial institutions is at the core of CDB’s enterprise development agenda. In 2024, the Bank provided technical assistance to dynamic MSMEs with scale-up potential, alongside training-of-trainer programmes for Business Support Organisations. Technical support was also extended to Development Finance Institutions to improve governance and operations. These capacity-building efforts are designed to create a stronger, more resilient private sector with the skills and resources needed to compete in a global economy.

Recognising the vulnerabilities of the Region, CDB is developing innovative financial instruments to help private enterprises adapt to climate change. This includes parametric insurance products for smallholder farmers and insurance solutions tailored to creative entrepreneurs. Through direct lending and partnerships, the Bank is enabling private investment in climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and water infrastructure, ensuring that growth aligns with environmental sustainability.

CDB is working to expand private sector participation in procurement markets, opening opportunities for SMEs and under-represented groups. Regional procurement fairs, delivered in partnership with governments and development partners, are providing training, bid preparation support, and access to new contracting opportunities. These initiatives not only improve transparency and competition in procurement systems but also empower local businesses to benefit directly from regional development projects.

Improving access to finance remains a key priority for private sector development. In 2024, CDB commissioned research on a Regional Credit Enhancement Facility, designed to expand the use of guarantees and counter-guarantees to strengthen credit markets across the Caribbean. The Bank also supported the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in developing a legal and institutional framework for using movable property as collateral, widening access to credit for businesses and consumers. In addition, CDB allocated resources to assess the private equity and venture capital ecosystem, including the feasibility of establishing an impact investment fund. Complementary initiatives include a trade finance guarantee programme, risk-sharing mechanisms, and a Private Sector Rating Campaign to lower borrowing costs for businesses.