The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has launched the Business Licence Reform Initiative through the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The launch took place on November 4, 2026, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Under the reform, responsibility for the business licence application process has moved from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which will now oversee the process.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Terrance Drew attended the launch and spoke about the initiative’s importance for small business owners across the country.
The reforms are intended to establish a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and business owners. Through the revised business licence process and an online application portal, the government aims to make starting a business simpler while offering applicants more coordinated support.
The ministry will provide digital access, application tracking and assistance for entrepreneurs. Officials said the changes respond to concerns about unclear requirements and the need for applicants to make repeated visits to government offices to obtain their licences.
Entrepreneurs have also reported difficulties getting updates on the progress of their applications, another issue the reforms seek to address.
Dr Drew said the initiative forms part of the St. Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Agenda and supports efforts to modernise public services. The Business Licence Reform Initiative is also expected to advance the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The Prime Minister said his administration wants to reduce the everyday burdens people face when accessing government services.
