The State of Small Business in Barbados

National Survey of the Small Business Sector (Barbados)

Quantitative Component The MSME survey targeted a minimum of 350 enterprises, consistent with a 95 per cent confidence level and an approximate 5 per cent margin of error. A stratified random sampling approach was used to ensure adequate representation across key dimensions of the MSME population, particularly enterprise size (micro, small, and medium) and industry sector. Stratification was essential to capture the diversity of MSME experiences in Barbados and to enable disaggregated analysis by size and sector. A final sample total of 355 business survey respondents was achieved at the end of the survey period (December 2025). Sampling frames were constructed using available business registries and networks, including those maintained by SBA and relevant government agencies (including the National Insurance and Social Security Service - NISSS; and a partial list from the Barbados Statistical Service - BSS). Priority was given to interviewing business owners or senior managers, as these individuals are best positioned to provide accurate information on firm performance, employment, finances, and strategic decisions. The survey instrument was designed to collect detailed quantitative data across several domains, including: Business demographics and ownership characteristics Employment levels and workforce composition Revenue, expenditure, profitability, and operating costs Export participation and export intensity Business start-up history and post-COVID performance Digital adoption and use of technology Climate change awareness, impacts, and adaptation measures To complement the survey findings, a virtual focus group discussion was conducted with a purposively selected group of twelve (12) MSME operators, representing micro, small, and medium enterprises across a range of sectors. The focus group included both male- and female led businesses and covered industries such as manufacturing, creative industries, vehicle repair, construction, business and financial services, transportation, communication and storage, and wholesale and retail. Qualitative Component The focus group was guided by a structured discussion protocol aligned with the survey themes. It explored participants’ perceptions of key challenges, sources of resilience, climate-related impacts, digital transformation, and policy and institutional support needs. The qualitative data were analysed thematically, with emphasis on identifying recurring patterns, sector-specific insights, and points of convergence and divergence across enterprise sizes.

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Small Business Association of Barbados