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How do I apply for a Visitor Experience Development Grant?
You can apply for a Visitor Experience Development Grant by going to the official VEDGP webpage
www.ourcayman.ky/VEDGPThe entire application process is online, and you will be required to complete an online application together with uploading other supporting documentation. You should use the guidance notes and supporting document templates available on the official webpage.
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What are the criteria required to qualify for a Visitor Experience Development Grant?
To qualify for a Visitor Experience Development Grant a business must meet the following criteria:
- Be 100% Caymanian-owned and staffed per the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision).
- Offer new products and/or services aimed at international visitors.
- Be compliant with all relevant licensing and statutory requirements as stipulated under the Trade and Business Licencing Act and other relevant statutory requirements.
- Complete the application form in its provided format. Only one application per owner may be submitted.
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What is the deadline for the submission of application form?
The application period is 15 April to 30 May 2025. Applications should be submitted no later than the 30 May 2025 deadline. Late submissions will not be reviewed.
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How much is the Visitor Experience Development Grant award?
An individual who is awarded a Visitor Experience Development Grant can receive a maximum of CI$50,000. The total approved 2025 budget for the VEDGP is CI$500,000.
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What types of initiatives can be funded through this Grant?
The Grant supports the development of new tourism products/services proposed by Caymanian entrepreneurs. The grant is intended to cover costs directly related to the product or service, with each application assessed on a case-bycase basis.
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What is the evaluation process?
Your application will be scored by a panel consisting of The Ministry of Tourism & Ports (MOTP), The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT), and The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD). The highest-scoring applicants will receive grant funding based on the approved budget.
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When would I know if I am approved for the Visitor Experience Development Grant?
Applicants will be informed of decisions within 30 days of the deadline date.
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How are disbursements to be paid out to successful applicants?
Disbursements are to be paid out to successful applicants in installments based on requested quotes/invoices.
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Can I apply for more than one business concept?
No, applicants cannot submit multiple applications.
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Are there any agreements or reporting requirements if I receive the grant?
Once approved for the grant, successful applicants will be required to submit evidence that funds were solely used for business operations. Otherwise, cessations of funding and/or repayment of funds received will apply. Applicants must comply with all requests for documentation relating to expenses.
Successful applicants must participate in workshops provided by the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT).
Successful applicants must complete a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) form for monitoring by the Ministry of Tourism & Ports (MOTP).
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What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful, you may request in writing to receive feedback on your proposal to help improve it for future grant opportunities. You are encouraged to apply again in future application periods if your business concept remains eligible
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Who can I contact for more information?
For specific questions, you can contact the Ministry of Tourism and Ports via email at
MOT-requests@gov.ky. The contact process and details are also available on the official VEDGP website
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I am a Civil Servant; can I apply for the VEDGP?
Yes. Civil Servants who are not employed by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports or its related entities can apply for the grant.
Family members of Civil Servants employed by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, or its related entities can also apply, but as per the Anti-Corruption Act (2024 Revision) Section 19 (2) where a public officer has a member of their family or a direct associate or a personal interest in a decision that a Government entity, in this case the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, is going to take, that the public officer disclose in writing the nature of that personal interest and recuse themselves from any part in the proceedings or decision to award the grant.
Failure to disclose an interest in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act and who votes or otherwise takes part in proceedings or decisions of the government entity relating to such interest commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term of five years.
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I own an existing tourism business; can I apply for VEDGP?
Yes, you can still apply for the Visitor Experience Development Grant if your business concept introduces a new product or service. The Visitor Experience Development Grant cannot be used to expand or subsidize an existing product or service your business currently provides.