Business Licence Reform Advances Government’s Commitment to a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Entrepreneurs

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 4, 2026 (PMO) –  The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, led by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has taken another step towards establishing a One-Stop Shop for entrepreneurs with the launch of its reformed Business Licence and online application portal, designed to simplify the process of starting a business and provide more coordinated support to applicants.

Launched today, November 4, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, the initiative brings together digital access, application tracking and assistance through the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy. It responds to concerns from entrepreneurs about unclear requirements, repeated visits to government offices and difficulties obtaining updates on their applications.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew said the reform forms part of the Government’s broader approach to modernising public services and creating an environment in which people can pursue economic opportunities with greater confidence. The Prime Minister also placed the initiative within the Sustainable Island State Agenda, explaining that digital transformation connects the Government’s wider development efforts and can ease the everyday burdens people face when accessing public services.

Also speaking at the launch, the Minister responsible for Small Business, the Hon. Samal Duggins, said the reform reflects the Government’s attention to the needs expressed by entrepreneurs. These included clearer requirements, an easier application process and better information about the progress of submissions.

The portal allows applicants for new business licences in St. Kitts to review requirements, submit supporting documents and track their applications online. The Ministry will coordinate with participating agencies and provide assistance to persons who need help using the system, ensuring that access to support remains available alongside the digital service.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy, Ms. Delrine Taylor, further explained that bringing application assistance into the Ministry also creates an opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with wider support, including business planning, training and financial readiness. “The success of this reform will be measured in the experience of the people using the service,” she added.

Minister Duggins encouraged entrepreneurs to use the portal and share their experiences so that further improvements can respond directly to their needs. “So tell us, tell us where it works, tell us where it doesn’t,” he said.

The reform was developed through collaboration among the Ministry, the Digital Transformation Unit headed by Nigel Carty, participating government agencies and the Tony Blair Institute team supporting the Prime Minister’s Office.

For more information and to begin your business licence application, visit businesslicenceskn.gov.kn

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