Brades, Montserrat – 27th March, 2026 — The Government of Montserrat, through the Business, Trade and Investment (BTI) Unit within the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, is proud to announce the return of the Produced in Montserrat Expo (PRIME) 2026 as a featured event of the island’s vibrant Calabash Festival, taking place this year on July 24–26, 2026, under the theme “Celebrating Entrepreneurship, Building Resilience.” This year aims to deliver a dynamic and elevated experience for participants and patrons alike. Now in its sixth year, PRIME continues to serve as Montserrat’s premier platform for showcasing local products, services, and entrepreneurial talent. The annual trade expo highlights the innovation, creativity, and resilience of Montserrat’s business community, while providing opportunities for networking, growth, and market expansion. Expanded Three-Day Event Format This year, the expo will take on an expanded and dynamic three-day format, offering an enhanced experience for both participants and patrons. Activities will begin on Friday evening with a lively “After-Work Lyme,” creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for networking, entertainment, and early vendor engagement. The excitement will continue on Saturday with the main expo day, featuring a wide array of local businesses, interactive displays, and opportunities for sales and exposure. Ending the weekend on Sunday is the inaugural Montserrat Business Awards 2026 gala. A First for Montserrat: The Business Awards Gala A major highlight of PRIME 2026 will be the introduction of the inaugural Montserrat Business Awards, which will take place on Sunday, July 26th, in the form of an elegant black-tie gala. This marks a significant milestone for the expo, as the awards aim to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the island. The initiative has been designed not only to honor excellence, but also to inspire continued growth, innovation, and resilience within Montserrat’s business sector. The Montserrat Business Awards will feature twelve (12) categories, each reflecting key areas of achievement and impact within the local business landscape. These include ● Business of the Year ● Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year ● Export Excellence Award ● Innovation and Product Development Award ● Community Impact Award ● Youth Entrepreneur of the Year ● Best Brand and Market Presentation Award ● Customer Service Excellence Award ● Green Business Award ● Spirit of Montserrat Award ● Made in Montserrat Award ● PRIME Exhibitor of the Year Members of the public will play a vital role in the process, as they will be invited to nominate businesses and individuals they believe deserve recognition. Nominations will officially open on April 1st, 2026, and further details, including the nomination link, will be made available via PRIME’s official social media platforms. The public is encouraged to stay connected for updates and participation opportunities. Regional Buyer Programme Targets Antigua and Sint Maarten In a strategic move to strengthen regional trade, PRIME 2026 will introduce a Regional Buyer Programme, inviting commercial buyers from Antigua and Barbuda and Sint Maarten. Structured matchmaking sessions will connect local producers with regional distributors, retailers, and hospitality buyers, creating opportunities for export growth and long-term partnerships. Youth Innovation Competition Returns Building on the successful launch of the Youth Innovation Competition at PRIME 2025, where three youth groups showcased market-ready product concepts, the competition will return in 2026 with enhanced mentorship, clearer category criteria, and a formal prize package including seed funding and the opportunity to exhibit at PRIME 2027. The competition is open to youth groups and individual young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 30. The Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Sunday evening Gala provides an additional pathway for young business leaders to receive formal recognition alongside the island’s established enterprises. Building on Five Years of Growth The PRIME Planning Committee is extending an invitation to corporate partners and stakeholders to support this landmark initiative through sponsorship. Businesses and organisations will have the opportunity to sponsor individual award categories, gaining naming rights and prominent brand visibility, while contributing meaningfully to the development and recognition of Montserrat’s business community. The introduction of the Montserrat Business Awards represents an exciting evolution of PRIME, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating entrepreneurship and building resilience across the island. As anticipation builds for this year’s staging, organisers are confident that PRIME 2026 will deliver a memorable and impactful experience for all involved. Get Involved Businesses interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register early. Nominations for the Business Awards will go live on Wednesday 1st April, 2026 and additional event details will be announced via official channels. Corporate partners and stakeholders are also invited to support this landmark initiative through sponsorship opportunities, including category sponsorships with naming rights and prominent brand visibility. For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, vendor registration, or gala ticket information, please contact: Business, Trade and Investment Unit Office of the Cabinet Secretary Government of Montserrat +1 664 491 2066 Follow PRIME on Facebook @ProducedInMontserratExpo and Instagram @Prime_mni for updates.
