(L to R) JoEllen Laryea, Lead- Partnerships, advocacy and Reporting, Caribbean Export,  Wayne Elliott, Manager – Technical Programmes, Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director, Caribbean Export, H.E Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and High Commissioner-designate of Canada to the Eastern Caribbean, Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development – Canada, Tamara Gibson and members of the Native Caribbean team

From Caribbean Export

February 24, 2025, Bridgetown, Barbados The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) have entered into a partnership to strengthen women’s economic empowerment in the Caribbean. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive economic growth, and enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global market.

Women-led businesses play a crucial role in economic development, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and community resilience. Studies show that women-owned enterprises account for nearly 40% of small and medium-sized businesses worldwide, yet they continue to face barriers such as limited access to financing, markets, and technical support. In the Caribbean, investing in women’s entrepreneurship is essential to unlocking sustainable growth and reducing economic disparities.

Through this partnership, Caribbean Export will implement the $3.46 million Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) project with a focus on Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. GRIT aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to scale their businesses, embrace innovation, and expand into international markets, including Canada. The collaboration will train and provide grants to women-led enterprises to adopt green business practices and integrate technology into their operations. It will also equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to access high-potential markets—including Canada—and meet technical trade requirements.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:

“Women entrepreneurs are at the heart of economic transformation in the Caribbean. By empowering them with the necessary skills, networks, and opportunities, we can drive sustainable economic growth and build more resilient communities. We value the strong partnership with Global Affairs Canada and look forward to the positive impact of our collaboration.”

“The Government of Canada is firmly committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment in the Caribbean by supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, economic growth and sustainable development. By investing in programs that remove systemic barriers and build the capacity of local organizations, our goal is to create an environment in which women can fully participate in and be involved in the region’s economic prosperity,” said Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.

The partnership between Caribbean Export and GAC aligns with global efforts to advance gender equality in trade and business. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just a social imperative but an economic one. By investing in women-led businesses, this initiative will contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and greater regional stability.

Caribbean Export remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and resilient private sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. The GRIT project marks another significant step in advancing women’s economic empowerment in the Caribbean.

About Caribbean Export

Caribbean Export is the regional trade and investment promotion agency focused on accelerating the economic transformation of the Caribbean.  We work closely with businesses to increase exports, attract investment, and contribute towards the creation of jobs to build a resilient Caribbean. 

More information about Caribbean Export can be found at www.carib-export.com.  Contact: JoEllen Laryea, Lead – Partnerships, Advocacy and Reporting, Caribbean Export Development Agency, Tel: +1(246) 436-0578, Fax: +1(246) 436-9999, Email: [email protected]  

About GAC

Global Affairs Canada is a federal department of the Government of Canada. It defines, shapes and advances Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. Global Affairs Canada manages diplomatic relations, promotes international trade, provides consular assistance, and leads international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. Global Affairs Canada also contributes to national security and the development of international law.

More information about Global Affairs Canada can be found at www.international.gc.ca.