Business development support.
The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), also known as the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU), takes a holistic approach to developing Saint Lucia’s micro and small enterprise sector. Its core mission is to help businesses become globally competitive through long-term consulting, training, financing and market research solutions that create real economic impact.
Officially launched in November 2014, the SBDC works within a network of partners including BELFund, the Environmental Health Department, the Ministry of Physical Development, Monroe College, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, the National Research and Development Foundation, the National Skills Development Centre, the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, the Saint Lucia Development Bank, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Export Saint Lucia and the UWI Open Campus.
The Centre pledges to put clients’ interests first, behave professionally, keep client information 100% confidential and deliver high-value services that help clients make better business decisions. First funded by the Government of Saint Lucia, UNDP and the ILO, its operations are now fully financed by the Government of Saint Lucia.
Services and programmes.
SBDC services are open to all legal existing and potential micro and small businesses.
I. Advocacy
- Business name registration
- Incorporation of companies
- Duty-free concessions
- Networking opportunities
II. Entrepreneurial development
- Entrepreneurial training
- Management advisory services
- SBDC Young Entrepreneurs in Action (YEA!)
III. Market and product development
- Exhibitions
- Marketing plans and market research
- Standards promotion
- Product development
IV. Access to finance
- Business plan development assistance
- Financial record-keeping systems
- Loan-grant funding
MSME Grant Facility documents.
Prepare your submission with the latest application, guidelines and editable supporting templates supplied by the Department.
How to become a client.
- Get in touch. Contact the SBDC by walk-in, telephone, email or letter.
- Show identification. Provide a valid Saint Lucia National ID, or a driver’s licence with passport.
- Complete a client intake form. Describe your business and indicate every service you may need.
- Meet your Business Development Officer. Your assigned officer schedules a meeting and develops a work plan with you.
Client forms and guides.
Word documentRequest from the unit →Client Intake — Partnership or Company
Word documentRequest from the unit →Client Intake — Additional Partner
Word documentRequest from the unit →Concessions Application Form
Revised April 2026Request from the unit →Sample concession request letter — company
Word documentRequest from the unit →Sample concession request letter — revised 2026
Word documentRequest from the unit →How to register your business online
digiGov step-by-step guide (PDF)Open ↗SBDC brochure
Services overview (PDF)Request from the unit →
Register a business name online.
The Registration of Business Names Act (December 2001) requires a business to be registered within 28 days of commencement. The certificate is needed to open a bank account, register for tax and trade in the business name.
- Create a digiGov account. You need a valid state-issued ID, a passport-size photo, a valid email address and mobile number, your NIC, passport or driver’s licence number, and a phone with Wi-Fi. Sign up at digigov.govt.lc, receive a one-time password and activate your account.
- Request a business name search. Enter applicant details, up to three proposed business names, the nature of the business and a copy of your ID, then submit and wait for approval.
- Apply for business registration. Select the business type, attach the name search result, complete all requirements and upload your signed statutory declaration.
- Submit documents in person. Print three copies of the statutory declaration, have them notarised by a Justice of the Peace or lawyer (fees apply), upload the signed copy, print the invoice, then submit the declaration with a $2.50 stamp and pay $125.00 to the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property. The Registry does not sell stamps; do not affix the stamp to the documents.
Apply for duty-free concessions.
Your business must be incorporated or registered in Saint Lucia; applications will not be processed until this condition is met.
- Write to the Permanent Secretary. State the nature of your business, number of employees, sales level and the items to be imported.
- List costs and origin. Indicate the cost and customs duties of each item and its country of origin.
- Include your contact details. Make sure the letter contains all your contact information.
- Officer follow-up. A Business Development Officer is assigned and schedules a site visit once all documents are received.
- Compliance visits. Follow-up site visits confirm that businesses granted concessions meet their conditions.
Training.
Registered SBDC clients can join quarterly workshops for people considering starting a business. You must be registered with the SBDC to access this programme. For advertised courses and workshops, complete the registration form; you will be notified when the course is ready to start, as dates may change with registration levels.
Quarterly orientation, fiscal year 2026
Training is also delivered with external partners including the Inland Revenue Department, National Insurance Corporation, Ministry of Health (Public Health), Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, Saint Lucia TVET Council, National Skills Development Centre, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Monroe College and Export Saint Lucia.
Recommended business associations
Frequently asked questions.
What assistance does the SBDC provide?
Business advice and mentoring, and help processing duty-free concessions, business plans, marketing plans, financial statements, business name registration and incorporation. It also offers entrepreneurial training, record-keeping help, help sourcing raw materials and equipment, interventions with other agencies, exhibitions, product development, standards compliance and advocacy for businesses, cooperatives and associations.
Is there a cost for regular SBDC services?
No. Regular services are free. Specialised workshops, courses or events may carry a fee.
Who can access SBDC services?
Existing and prospective micro and small business owners, including school leavers, women, young people, unemployed and self-employed people, in manufacturing, services, construction, hospitality, agriculture and retail.
Can I use SBDC services if I am not Saint Lucian?
CARICOM residents need CSME Rights of Establishment (see Legal Services for the requirements). Non-CARICOM residents need a valid passport, a trade licence and a work permit.
Does SBDC help with business plans?
Yes, free of charge. You develop the plan with guidance from your Business Development Officer, who will need a description and location of the business, pro forma invoices for items to be imported, the loan amount and terms, past performance for an existing business, and details such as competitors, planned promotion and jobs created or sustained.
Where is SBDC located?
4th Floor, Heraldine Rock Building, Waterfront, Castries.
Get ready before you contact the unit.
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This planning aid does not replace an official application form or eligibility assessment.Local business directory.
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