Business Diversity Waiver

What Is It?

The Business Diversity Waiver is a business start-up incentive of The Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited, encouraging entrepreneurs to launch new and innovative business concepts. The initiative offers a first-year business license fee waiver or discount to qualifying applicants.

Am I Eligible?

New businesses, which meet the following criteria, can receive a first-year license fee waiver or discount:

  • The business concept should be new or unique; in addition, it should not fit into a category which has been identified as saturated or restricted
  • Business Diversity Waiver applies only to new businesses
  • The business concept must meet all zoning requirements
  • The project/investment should create a minimum of 2 jobs.

Please note that all existing licensing requirements/restrictions apply.

Saturated or Restricted Business

Business models in saturated fields will only be considered if they incorporate a specialty component, such as technology integration, customer engagement or a unique experience to complement the business model. Please note that this list is not conclusive and serves as a guideline for the business categories, NOT eligible to receive the Business Diversity Waiver.

List of Ineligible Business Categories

  • Automobile Repair/Garage
  • Automobile Rental /Sale of Parts & Accessories
  • Barber Shop
  • Beauty Supplies
  • Beauty Salon
  • Sale of Clothing Accessories
  • Clothing Store
  • Sale of Cosmetics
  • Sale of Footwear
  • Sale of Costume/Fashion Jewelry
  • Landscaping & Garden Maintenance
  • Sale of Liquor (Packaged, Store and Bar)
  • Nail Salon
  • Sale of Office Equipment & Supplies
  • Sale of Pre-packaged Snacks
  • Snack Food/Take-Out Restaurants
  • Variety Store

Click here to apply for the Business Diversity Waiver

Apply Now