NEW BUSINESS LICENCE PORTAL PUTS ENTREPRENEURS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT, SAYS MINISTER DUGGINS

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, November 04, 2026 (SKNIS): Prospective business owners in Saint Kitts now have a simpler, more transparent and convenient pathway to obtaining a business licence, following the launch of a new digital application platform by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The new platform, unveiled on Wednesday, November 04, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, is a major component of the government’s Business Licence Reform Initiative, aimed at reducing administrative hurdles, improving access to information and creating a more supportive environment for individuals seeking to establish and grow businesses.

A central feature of the reform is the transfer of responsibility for the business licence application process from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

At the heart of the initiative is a new online portal that provides applicants with a centralised platform to access referral agency requirements, review necessary documentation, understand processing timelines and submit their business licence applications.

Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the Honourable Samal Duggins, described the launch as a tangible demonstration of the government’s commitment to creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs and delivering on promises made to the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Duggins noted that the introduction of the digital portal builds on that commitment by expanding the ways in which prospective business owners can access the services they need, allowing them to initiate their entrepreneurial journey either through in-person assistance at the ministry or conveniently online.

“No longer will you be questioning which ministry has your document. You can see all of that information online,” Minister Duggins explained.

Importantly, the minister stressed that the introduction of the digital service does not mean that face-to-face assistance will be discontinued. Ministry officers will remain available to guide applicants who encounter difficulties using the platform or require additional support.

“We are not saying to you not to come to the ministry. What we are saying to you is that if you don’t need to, you can do it in your own space. And where you have a challenge, we are here,” he stated.

Through the platform, applicants will also be able to track the progress of their applications at every stage, receive updates via email, monitor the status of submitted documents and schedule appointments. The system is intended to eliminate uncertainty and the inconvenience of having to visit multiple government offices or repeatedly follow up to determine the status of an application.

Prospective business owners can access the new digital platform at https://businesslicenceskn.gov.kn to begin their business licence application process.

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