As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made and the road ahead for women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. Across the region, women-owned businesses are vital drivers of economic growth, innovation, and resilience. Yet, despite their immense contributions, many still face obstacles such as accessing funding, limited exposure to new markets, and inadequate support systems that can help them scale.
At Caribbean Export, we believe that accelerating action means going beyond conversations and driving real, tangible support for women entrepreneurs. That’s why we are collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to implement the Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade for Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs (GRIT) project —an initiative to strengthen women-led businesses by providing the tools and opportunities necessary for sustainable growth and international expansion. GRIT will support women-led businesses from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Closing the Gender Gap in Trade
Women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean often struggle to break into international markets due to various constraints. GRIT seeks to change this by delivering specialized training, mentorship, and financial support to enhance business competitiveness.
To equip women entrepreneurs with the support they need, this initiative will provide:
- Access to finance – Providing grant funding for women-led businesses to adopt technology.
- Export training and mentorship – Preparing entrepreneurs to enter and sustain a presence in regional and international markets.
- Buyer Outreach – Connecting women entrepreneurs with potential partners and buyers through trade missions.
A Future of Inclusion and Innovation
The time for action is now. GRIT is designed to break down barriers and open doors for women entrepreneurs, providing them with the critical resources needed to scale, compete, and succeed in global markets. The Caribbean’s economic future depends on inclusive growth, and empowering women entrepreneurs is key to unlocking opportunities for prosperity. Through initiatives like GRIT, we are addressing the challenges women face in trade and fostering an ecosystem where their businesses can thrive and lead the way in innovation and sustainability.
Now is the time to get involved. If you are a woman entrepreneur looking to expand your business, break into new markets, or access valuable training and mentorship, we invite you to be part of this project. Complete our survey and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Survey Link
Together, let’s accelerate action and shape a future where Caribbean women entrepreneurs lead, succeed, and transform industries across the region.
Happy International Women’s Day!
