Generating resilient and inclusive trade for Caribbean women entrepreneurs – program 2024 to 2028

This project aims to increase the productivity and export readiness of women-led businesses from Belize Dominica Grenada Jamaica Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It does so to encourage these businesses to scale up diversify and compete regionally and internationally. The project aims to train and provide grants for women-led enterprises to adopt green business practices and technology. It also aims to empower entrepreneurs to identify the most promising markets including Canada acquire knowledge and skills to meet technical requirements and participate in trade missions to generate new business opportunities. Project activities include: (1) conducting capacity building activities for adopting green business practices and technology to women-led businesses; (2) providing data collection mapping and technical assistance to women-led businesses; and (3) providing grant funding for technology adoption by women-led businesses.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased productivity and job opportunities generated by Caribbean women entrepreneurs; and (2) improved ability of women-led businesses in selected sectors to identify and respond to Canadian market requirements and other international market requirements. The sectors to be explored include fresh fruits and vegetables processed foods artisan products and services renewable energy digital services and eco-tourism. It also includes sectors of focus as determined specifically by the data collection and mapping exercise.