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1. What is the IGM200?

The IGM200 (Innovation & Growth Market 200) is a national initiative in Barbados to support 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through training, mentoring, and helping them access equity financing via the Barbados Stock Exchange’s Innovation & Growth Market (IGM).

2. Who is driving the IGM200?

The programme is led by the Ministry of Energy and Business, the Barbados Stock Exchange, and the Small Business Association, with technical assistance and funding support (e.g. grant funding) from partners including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).HelpUsTrade Ltd and SFa Communications are providing expert marketing and communications support for the IGM200 program.

3. What are the core goals or benefits of IGM200?

1. Help SMEs become investment-ready, so they can raise equity capital rather than rely solely on debt.
2. Help local Investors understand how to support local businesses through equity investments.
3. Increase public awareness and engagement with the IGM200 programme.
4. Build capacity in areas like governance, financial literacy, investor engagement.  
5. Foster a stronger capital market, by encouraging more businesses to list on the IGM.  
6. Create jobs, increase ownership in local business, and generate national growth. 

4. Who is eligible to participate?

Any SME in Barbados that has ambition to grow and is willing to work on becoming investor-ready can participate in the IGM200 programme. Specific criteria (financials, size, etc.) may apply, especially for selection into more advanced workshops or for listing on the IGM.

5. What support does IGM200 offer?

1. Training, mentoring and capacity building.  
2. Investor readiness workshops.  
3. A pathway for accessing equity financing through the IGM of the Barbados Stock Exchange.  
4. Some grant / technical assistance (details to be confirmed). 

6. What timeline / phases should I be aware of?

1. First Event: There is an initial sensitisation awareness stage at a Conference at the Barbados Hilton on November 4 2025. at 10 am . It is free for entrepreneurs and investors. You can register at https://www.igm200.com.bb/4-nov-2025/ 
2. Second Event: In order to be considered for invitation to the second event you must have registered and attended the first event (above). A second, more intensive workshop, “Your Investment Ready Workshop,” is scheduled for December 3rd and 4th at the Hilton Resort, Barbados. This workshop is designed for 50 entrepreneurs who are further along in their development and ready to progress to future IGM stages. The goal is to help these SMEs unlock equity financing and achieve Initial Public Offering (IPO) success at the IGM200 workshop. Participants will gain practical knowledge, connect with investors, and prepare their MSME for public listing, ultimately transforming their business’s future. You can express your interest in this second phase at: https://www.igm200.com.bb/3-4-dec-2025/

7. What is an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?

An IPO (Initial Public Offering) is a public offering where a private company sells its shares to institutional and retail investors, transitioning from private to public ownership. This process is typically underwritten by investment banks, which also arrange for the shares to be listed on one or more stock exchanges.

The IGM200 program aims to help companies achieve IPO success by unlocking equity financing and preparing them for public listing on the Innovation & Growth Market (IGM) of the Barbados Stock Exchange.

8. Why equity financing instead of traditional debt?

Because many SMEs are constrained by high interest rates, limited access to loans, or being over-burdened by debt. Equity financing provides capital without the same repayment burden, and can offer more flexibility to SMEs as they grow.

9. How will the IGM200 benefit local investors?

• Opportunity to invest in local SMEs with high growth potential.
• Diversification of investment opportunities beyond traditional assets.
• Potential for returns if the businesses grow successfully and/or become listed.
• Contributing to Barbados’ economic development and job creation.
• Make your savings work by investing in local businesses with high growth potential.

10. What is the connecting between the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE) and the IGM200?

The IGM200 serves as a platform for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to raise equity capital through share listings and investor access. This programme is being enhanced and repositioned to better support SMEs. The Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE) supervises the IGM, also known as the ‘Junior Stock Market,’ with the goal of encouraging larger companies to transition to Barbados’ Main Stock Market.

11. What kind of sectors/business types are being considered?

SMEs across various sectors are eligible to participate. Priority may be given to those with potential for growth, scalability, and with good governance.