Bahamas Development Bank
Bahamas Development Bank is a wholly government-owned statutory development finance institution in Nassau, The Bahamas, providing concessionary loans, grants, and executing-agency services to Bahamian MSMEs across tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, creative, blue, and green economy sectors throughout the archipelago.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1974
- HeadquartersNassau, Bahamas
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Bahamas Development Bank does
Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) is a wholly government-owned statutory development finance institution established by an Act of Parliament in 1974 and headquartered in Nassau, The Bahamas. It opened operations in July 1978 with a $2 million government equity injection and additional capital from Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, the European Economic Community, the Central Bank of The Bahamas, and the National Insurance Board — a combined ~$18 million initial capitalization. BDB's mandate is to provide concessionary financing to Bahamian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that fall outside the risk appetite of commercial banks, with lending products tiered into Micro Lending (up to $15,000), General Lending (sector-specific ticket sizes), Green Lending (up to 100% financing for electric vehicles and solar systems), and the Joint SDG Concessional Loan Fund (0-2% interest for women-, youth-, and disability-owned businesses). Geographic coverage spans the entire Bahamian archipelago from Bimini to Mayaguana via the Nassau Head Office and a Freeport branch that absorbed Abaco operations in 2010.
BDB's business model combines direct lending, non-reimbursable grant programs (Family Island Grants, 50th Independence Grants, Orange Economy Micro Technology Grants, Digi Innovation Grants), executing-agency administration of multilateral and government programs (UN Joint SDG Fund, GEF Integrated Land Management Project, Pine Island Cascarilla Project), and brokerage/advisory services connecting clients with partners such as C15 Studios (up to $1.5 million in creative-economy debt or equity). Revenue derives principally from loan interest at rates of 6.75%-12% across terms up to 20 years, supplemented by administrative fees for executing-agency mandates and, following a $30 million recapitalization from the African Export-Import Bank in 2024, a materially expanded capital base projected to generate over $1 million in incremental interest income. Customer segments span tourism, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing and industrial, the creative (orange) economy, blue economy, green economy, transportation and logistics, and historically disadvantaged groups across the Family Islands.
Operational delivery relies on a relationship-led distribution model anchored by lending officers in Nassau and Freeport, supplemented by community events, business expos, and on-island outreach (BICA SMP Seminar, Freeport Business Expo, Headshots and Handshakes, Blue Economy Think Tank). BDB also functions as National Coordinating Authority for UN development programs and as the local implementing partner for corporate programs such as the Disney Cruise Line South Eleuthera initiative. As of 2024 the Bank employs 11-50 staff, celebrated its 50th anniversary of statutory legislation, and operates under the leadership of Acting Managing Director Dave Munroe following the 2022-2025 term of Nicholas Higgs, the youngest MD in its history. No proprietary software platform is disclosed; technology infrastructure is described as traditional banking and lending systems.
Bahamas Development Bank firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bahamas Development Bank
- Legal name
- Bahamas Development Bank
- Website
- https://bahamasdevelopmentbank.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1974
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Bahamas Development Bank is a wholly government-owned statutory development finance institution in Nassau, The Bahamas, providing concessionary loans, grants, and executing-agency services to Bahamian MSMEs across tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, creative, blue, and green economy sectors throughout the archipelago.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bahamas Development Bank industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Development Finance
- NAICS
- Monetary Authorities-Central Bank (52111)
- SIC
- Federal & Federally-Sponsored Credit Agencies (6111)
- akta.pro primary industry
- National/Regional Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (FSABAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Green/Climate Development Banks & Funds (FSABAKAH), SBA/Government-Backed & Development Finance Loans (FSAKAGAI), National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (BPADACAC)
Keywords
Where Bahamas Development Bank is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nassau
- HQ country
- Bahamas
Offices2 records
Markets served
Bahamas Development Bank business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Loan Interest Income: BDB's primary revenue stream is interest income generated from its loan portfolio. The bank offers general lending, green lending, and micro-lending products with interest rates ranging from 6.75% to 12%. Loans are available for existing and start-up businesses with at least 60% Bahamian ownership. Repayment terms can extend up to 20 years.
- Administrative/Fee Income: BDB generates fee income from executing agency functions for government ministries, development partners, and private sector entities, providing end-to-end administrative and financial management services for programs that drive national development. Fees are competitive and calibrated to the complexity and scope of each initiative.
- Capital Recapitalization: BDB received a $30 million capitalization from the African Export Import Bank in 2024, its first such partnership in over 20 years. This strengthens its funding base and supports expanded lending operations.
- Grant Disbursement (Executing Agency): BDB serves as disbursing agent for grant programs (e.g., UN Joint SDG Fund, Family Island Grant, 50th Independence Grant), administering funds on behalf of partners for a fee and retaining program management expertise.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Micro Lending — up to $15,000 for small businesses and startups |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | General Lending — flexible financing for business expansion and investment |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Green Lending — 100% financing for electric vehicles and solar systems |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Joint SDG Concessional Loan Fund — 0–2% interest for inclusive businesses |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Open Grants — non-reimbursable funding for MSMEs |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
Bahamas Development Bank product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bahamas Development Bank is a government-owned development finance institution established by Act of Parliament in 1974, providing concessionary loans, grants, and project administration services to Bahamian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across The Bahamas archipelago. The institution delivers General Lending, Green Lending, Micro Lending, grant programs, brokerage services, and administrative services for executing government and donor-funded initiatives.
Product overview
Bahamas Development Bank operates as a government-owned development finance institution offering a comprehensive suite of financial products and services. The core offerings include three lending programs (General Lending, Green Lending, and Micro Lending), non-reimbursable Grant Programs, and Brokerage Services. The Bank also serves as an executing agency for government programs through Administrative Services. Beyond traditional financing, BDB implements targeted development projects including the Build Back Equal SDG Fund, Integrated Land Management, Disney Cruise Line Partnership, Cornerhouse Project, and Pine Island Cascarilla Project. Educational initiatives include the Warren Logan Rolle Apprenticeship Program and Summer Student Employment Program. The Bank focuses on key sectors including tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and the creative (orange) economy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- General Lending
- Micro Lending
- Green Lending
- Grant Programs
- Brokerage Services
- Administrative Services
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 300 entrepreneurs empowered through $2.5 million in low-interest loans and nearly $100,000 in grants via the Joint SDG Concessional Loan Fund
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Bahamas Development Bank
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Bahamas Development Bank technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Bahamas Development Bank partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC)coreBDB and The Nature Conservancy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable development and conservation in The Bahamas. The partnership aims to align economic growth with environmental protection, supporting the transition to a climate-resilient, sustainable economy through joint initiatives in conservation finance and sustainable development.
- C15 StudioscoreThrough a Memorandum of Understanding with C15 Studios, a Trinidad & Tobago-based impact-investment firm specializing in the orange economy (creative and cultural sectors), BDB offers Bahamian creatives access to up to US$1.5 million in debt or equity financing. C15 Studios, founded in 2018 by Aspire Fund Management, provides short- and medium-term cash flow loans, completion-bond insurance for film projects, and equity-style investments across 15 creative sectors. BDB acts as local liaison, advising on proposal structuring and facilitating capital deployment.
- Disney Cruise LinecoreDisney Cruise Line partnered with BDB to co-create solutions for South Eleuthera including: (1) affordable public liability insurance through NETO Cooperative enabling small operators to secure Disney contracts; (2) guest-ready culturally authentic tourism experiences through the Elevate Eleuthera accelerator; and (3) locally grown agricultural products through the Pineapple Strategy connecting smallholder farmers to Disney's culinary operations. BDB serves as the implementing partner managing financing, training, and program delivery.
- National Eco-Tour Operators Cooperative (NETO)minorNETO, based in Grand Bahama, provides its members with access to $2 million in global public liability insurance at significantly reduced rates. Through BDB's support, qualifying South Eleutheran entrepreneurs joined NETO and secured the insurance needed to sign contracts with Disney Cruise Line. NETO membership is open to all Bahamian small businesses engaged in nature-based or cultural tourism.
- UN WomencoreBDB partnered with UN Women as part of the Build Back Equal Joint SDG Fund Program. UN Women co-led the initiative and provided programmatic support including a Women in Business Empowerment Retreat with nearly 70 women entrepreneurs, and the introduction of BDB's Joint SDG Concessional Loan Fund with 0-2% interest rates for women-, youth-, and disability-owned businesses.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreBDB served as the National Coordinating Authority for the Build Back Equal Joint SDG Fund Project led by UNDP. The program disbursed $2.5 million in low-interest loans and nearly $100,000 in grants to nearly 300 entrepreneurs, providing training in gender-responsive business practices, policy analysis, and leadership development. UNDP hosted workshops on gender equality and the SDGs with government agencies.
- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)coreFAO partnered with BDB on the Build Back Equal Joint SDG Fund and hosted the GEFA Award Ceremony awarding 25 women-led businesses grants of $2,000 to $7,500 each. FAO is also a partner in the Pine Islands Sustainable Livelihoods Project (with BDB, BAIC, BAMSI, CARDI, and others) focused on cascarilla production industrialization.
- UNESCOminorUNESCO partnered with BDB on the Build Back Equal Joint SDG Fund Program as part of the collaborative initiative led by UN Women and supported by UNDP and FAO, focused on capacity building for entrepreneurs and training in women's empowerment principles.
- Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)minorIICA collaborated with BDB, the Ministry of Grand Bahama, and the Department of Cooperatives on the Apiary Project beginning in 2018. The 16-week program trained 27 young people in beekeeping and provided $182,561 in financing to 7 program members. Participants organized into Grand Bahama Beekeepers Co-operative Society (GBCC) Limited.
- Easy Car SalesminorBDB partners with Easy Car Sales to introduce new commercial and fleet vehicles to power businesses across The Bahamas, enabling sustainable transportation through BDB's Green Lending Program at the point of sale.
- EV MotorsminorBDB and EV Motors partnered to drive sustainable business development in The Bahamas, providing financing for electric vehicles and commercial fleets through BDB's Green Lending Program to help Bahamian businesses transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation.
- ICON BahamasminorBDB and ICON Bahamas partnered to offer businesses up to 100% financing on electric golf carts, providing eco-friendly mobility solutions for tourism and hospitality businesses.
- United Nations Bahamas Resident Coordinator's OfficeminorBDB partnered with the UN Bahamas Resident Coordinator's Office alongside the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Organization for Responsible Governance to host the third annual Partnership Forum, highlighting the role of youth as advocates for sustainable development.
- Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC)minorBAIC is a key partner in the Pine Islands Sustainable Livelihoods Project alongside BDB, Ministry of Agriculture, BAMSI, Department of Cooperatives, Department of Forestry, BEST Commission, and CARDI, working together to industrialize cascarilla production on Acklins and Crooked Island.
- Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI)minorBAMSI collaborates with BDB as part of the Integrated Land Management Project and Pine Islands Sustainable Livelihoods Project, contributing agricultural and marine science expertise to support climate-smart farming and sustainable livelihoods.
- Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)minorCARDI partners with BDB on the Integrated Land Management Project (Component III) and the Pine Islands Sustainable Livelihoods Project, contributing agricultural research and development expertise for climate-smart agriculture across the Bahamas.
- Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC)minorBDB partners with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC) as part of its prefunding center helpful links, supporting access to resources for MSMEs seeking financing.
- Small Business Development Centre Bahamas (SBDC)minorBDB partners with the Small Business Development Centre Bahamas (SBDC), hosted at BTVI, to provide small business development support and resources alongside BDB's financing products.
- Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI)minorBTVI partners with BDB as host of the SBDC Bahamas and provides technical and vocational training resources accessible to BDB clients through the prefunding center.
- University of The BahamasminorUniversity of The Bahamas partners with BDB, including through its CeLearn Division which facilitated the accelerator program for the UN Joint SDG Fund Build Back Equal Program that selected 78 applicants for the women-led business grant program.
- Ministry of Social Services and Urban DevelopmentminorThe Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development partnered with BDB on the Build Back Equal Joint SDG Fund Program, working together with UN Women, UNESCO, FAO, and UNDP to support nearly 300 entrepreneurs in gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
- Ministry responsible for Digital TransformationminorBDB partnered with the Ministry responsible for digital transformation to administer the Digi Innovation Grant Program, disbursing funds to local small businesses to help startups scale, formalize, and digitize their operations.
- Ministry of AgricultureminorThe Ministry of Agriculture collaborates with BDB on the Pine Islands Sustainable Livelihoods Project to develop a cascarilla distillation facility on Acklins, revitalizing the agricultural sector on the Family Islands.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves15 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Bahamas Development Bank competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- National Development Corporation of St. Lucia: The National Development Corporation of St. Lucia provides financing and business development support to Saint Lucian MSMEs. It operates a comparable DFI model in a similarly small Caribbean economy, serving sectors where commercial banks do not reach.
- Trinidad and Tobago Development Finance Corporation: T&T DFC is a national development finance institution offering loan and equity financing to MSMEs across multiple sectors. It mirrors BDB's mandate of providing access to capital where commercial banks will not, with similar focus on business advisory and international partner funding.
- Development Finance Limited (Barbados): Development Finance Limited is Barbados's national DFI offering loan, equity, and capacity-building services to small businesses. It is highly comparable to BDB in product mix (concessionary lending, MSME focus, government ownership) and Caribbean market context.
- Development Finance Corporation (Cayman Islands): Cayman's DFC provides affordable loans and grants to Caymanian micro and small businesses. Like BDB, it serves as the primary government vehicle for development financing in its territory and complements commercial banking for underserved borrowers.
- Belize Development Finance Corporation: The Belize Development Finance Corporation is a state-owned DFI providing MSME loans and grants in Belize. It operates in a similar small-economy Caribbean context with comparable product offerings and beneficiary segments.
- Development Bank of Jamaica: The Development Bank of Jamaica is a state-owned development finance institution providing concessionary financing and business support to Jamaican MSMEs. Like BDB, it focuses on sectors commercial banks underserve and partners with international development institutions for funding.
Others
- African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank): Afreximbank provided BDB with a $30M capitalization in 2024 and is a capital supplier rather than a competitor. It is included as a peer because its expanding Caribbean footprint makes it a key strategic relationship for BDB's future funding pipeline.
- The Nature Conservancy (Caribbean Program): The Nature Conservancy signed a 2025 MOU with BDB to advance sustainable development and conservation finance. It is included as a peer because it is a strategic partner whose Blue/Green Economy initiatives directly shape BDB's emerging lending pipeline in marine and climate sectors.
Broad incumbents
- Inter-American Development Bank: The IDB is a major multilateral development lender serving Latin America and the Caribbean. BDB was an early beneficiary of IDB financing ($3M in 1978), and IDB's broader DFI ecosystem shapes the operating context in which BDB functions.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bahamas Development Bank social profiles
Digital presenceBahamas Development Bank financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bahamas Development Bank leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Bahamas Development Bank funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Bahamas Development Bank M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Bahamas Development Bank
What does Bahamas Development Bank do?
Bahamas Development Bank is a government-owned development finance institution established by Act of Parliament in 1974, providing concessionary loans, grants, and project administration services to Bahamian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across The Bahamas archipelago. The institution delivers General Lending, Green Lending, Micro Lending, grant programs, brokerage services, and administrative services for executing government and donor-funded initiatives.
Is Bahamas Development Bank a public or private company?
Bahamas Development Bank is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Bahamas Development Bank founded?
Bahamas Development Bank was founded in 1974. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Bahamas Development Bank based?
Bahamas Development Bank is headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas.
How does Bahamas Development Bank make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Loan Interest Income is the primary driver. The others are administrative/Fee Income, capital Recapitalization and grant Disbursement (Executing Agency).
Who are Bahamas Development Bank's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are National Development Corporation of St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago Development Finance Corporation, Development Finance Limited (Barbados), Development Finance Corporation (Cayman Islands), Belize Development Finance Corporation and Development Bank of Jamaica. Others are African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and The Nature Conservancy (Caribbean Program). Inter-American Development Bank is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Bahamas Development Bank have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bahamas Development Bank.
What industry is Bahamas Development Bank in?
Bahamas Development Bank's product category is Development Finance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABAKAB, National/Regional Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), with a secondary code of FSABAKAH, Green/Climate Development Banks & Funds. Its NAICS code is 52111 and its SIC code is 6111.