Applications invited for new blue business grant |27 April 2021

The Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) has announced a new R150,000 grant in support of start-ups and entrepreneurs who advance conservation and sustainability practices in Seychelles.

R150,000 will be awarded to a successful applicant to establish or develop a sustainable blue business.

The grant has been provided by the Trois Frères Distillery and administered by the SeyCCAT’s Blue Grants Fund (BGF).

Unlike other grants offered through the BGF, the blue business grant can be used as seed capital to implement a brand-new business idea and the intellectual property rights are completely yours.

The BGF decisions follow a transparent and diligent review process that meets the highest international standards of good conduct. 

Richard D’Offay, the managing director of Trois Frères Distillery, says: “We are delighted to support the fantastic work of SeyCCAT. For us, the opportunity to support a new Seychellois business, which also meets the rigorous requirements of the Blue Grants Fund, is exactly what we should be doing.”

The makers of Takamaka Rum is the first private business to contribute to the Blue Grants Fund, joining the likes of the Seychelles government, the World Bank, The Nature Conservancy, and the Global Environmental Facility that have been supporting the BGF since its inception in 2017.

In addition to R150,000 in grant money, the senior management of the distillery will offer mentorship to the grantee, sharing the business know-how to help advance the start-up. 

Angelique Pouponneau, SeyCCAT's chief executive, shares her appreciation: “Having the first local supporter from the private sector is an important milestone for SeyCCAT. Besides the much-appreciated funds, we will be working with a long-standing business with a legacy of giving back to the local community. This legacy is unique in many ways and the grant recipient will have a brilliant opportunity to learn from a successful local business.”

The grant application window opens on May 3, 2021. Please visit www.seyccat.org or contact us at info@seyccat.org for more information.

Press release from SeyCCAT