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Montego Bay will take centre stage as a hub of opportunity and innovation when the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2025, opens its doors from 29 to 31 July, 2025 at the Montego Bay Convention Center.

Under the theme “SMART. GREEN. CONNECTED.” the Forum will bring together a dynamic mix of investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to unlock new opportunities in priority sectors such as green economy transition, digitalisation, sustainable agriculture, and logistics.

Among the strategic partners championing this agenda is the European Union, whose longstanding development cooperation and strategic investments have long supported private sector growth and sustainable development across the Caribbean.

Under the banner of the European Union’s Global Gateway Programme —its flagship initiative for strengthening international partnerships – the Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP III) stands as one of the most recent and significant EU-backed initiatives supporting the Caribbean’s economic transformation. The four-year initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Caribbean’s private sector in a sustainable way by addressing critical challenges and promoting economic growth.

Dr. Erja Askola EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas stated that “The European Union is proud to support and collaborate with regional partners to mobilise investment in these crucial areas for growth, jobs and the Caribbean’s global competitiveness. I hope this forum will advance transformative initiatives and productive collaborations across borders..”

She added: “The Caribbean Investment Forum is more than an event – it’s a catalyst for forging meaningful partnerships, identifying viable projects, and connecting Caribbean innovation with global opportunities.”

At CIF 2025, the EU will spotlight its priority investment areas with a strong focus on green energy, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic development—all vital pillars for a resilient and future-ready Caribbean.
The organisers of CIF have underscored the Forum’s role in deepening strategic partnerships and advancing shared development goals between the Caribbean and international stakeholders.

Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Dr. Damie Sinanan noted that “The Caribbean Investment Forum is a powerful platform to build bridges between the Caribbean and the European Union, fostering mutual growth and sustainable partnerships. We are deeply grateful for the EU’s continued support in unlocking new opportunities for innovation, trade, and investment that will empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and strengthen our shared resilience.”

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, organiser of CIF 2025, aims to leverage this momentum to forge innovative partnerships and generate additional resources to support private sector development across the Caribbean—fostering its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term prosperity in the region.

CIF 2025 welcomes the participation of investors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, who are committed to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

For more information on how to attend or partner with CIF 2025, visit www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com or contact the organisers at info@carib-export.com.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with the Government of Canada, is proud to announce the launch of GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade, a transformative initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of women-led businesses across the Caribbean to access regional and international markets. The project aims to foster more inclusive economic growth by addressing persistent gender gaps in trade. GRIT will work with women-led businesses and trade support institutions to build capacity, improve access to resources, and enhance visibility in key export markets.

GRIT represents the first-ever partnership between the Government of Canada and Caribbean Export, and will focus on enhancing export-readiness, boosting access to trade information and networks, and promoting gender-responsive trade policies. The project will also include regional B2B matchmaking, digital promotion support, and capacity-building of trade support institutions to better serve women entrepreneurs.

With CAD $3.16 million in funding from the Government of Canada, GRIT is a four-year initiative that provides targeted support to women-owned businesses with a particular focus on increasing exports to the Canadian market. The project seeks to address key barriers to trade, provide technical assistance and tools, and foster a gender-inclusive trade environment. GRIT will be implemented across the following Caribbean countries: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The official launch event held today in Saint Lucia will be followed by a full-day export readiness workshop tailored for local women entrepreneurs and is hosted with the support of Export Saint Lucia and DHL.

“GRIT is providing targeted technical support, grants, and market intelligence to help these businesses transition to digital platforms, adopt green production methods, and meet international standards” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. “…initiatives like GRIT are not only about empowering women—they are about shaping the future of Caribbean trade.”

“A future where our businesses, particularly MSMEs, are positioned to navigate global complexities and seize opportunities in diversified markets”

Speaking at the launch event, the Honourable Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, emphasized the national impact of women’s economic empowerment.

“When Saint Lucian women thrive in business, our entire country benefits. This is not theory. This is a fact.” said Minister Hippolyte. “Through GRIT, we are strengthening our trade capacity, expanding our networks, and positioning Saint Lucian women to take full advantage of regional and international markets.”

“GRIT is about building bridges—between local innovation and global markets, between ambition and opportunity, and most importantly, between women-led businesses and the tools they need to thrive,” said Abebech Assefa, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission to Barbados. “The name ‘GRIT’ speaks to the courage, perseverance and passion that women entrepreneurs bring to their work every day.”

GRIT is part of Canada’s broader commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth and women’s empowerment across the region. Assefa noted that Canada remains steadfast in its efforts to support economic cooperation for shared prosperity by helping more women entrepreneurs contribute to their own success and that of their communities.

On 6 June, during the first High-Level Policy Dialogue with the Caribbean under the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, the European Union launched Digital Connectors Jamaica, a new initiative to foster digital collaboration between Jamaican and European companies. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Caribbean ahead of the hurricane season through advanced weather forecasting tools and emergency response mechanisms.

“This initiative reflects how Global Gateway delivers real opportunities for people. By connecting Jamaican startups with European and Latin American companies, we support innovation, but also create quality jobs and boost local entrepreneurship”, said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. “Programmes like the Digital Accelerator turn digital cooperation into economic growth, for Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and Europe alike.”

Driving Innovation and Job Creation through Digital Connectors Jamaica

The Digital Connectors Jamaica programme, launched under the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, promotes digital joint ventures between Jamaican startups and European private sector. Through a partnership with the Development Bank of Jamaica and Caribbean Export, Jamaican startups will have access to up to USD 50,000 in grant funding to develop and scale innovative digital solutions. These funds will complement the EU’s contribution of EUR 14 million, unlocking new opportunities for growth and international market access.

EU-Caribbean partnership on weather forecasting and climate change adaptation

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to enhance regional preparedness for extreme weather events. Ahead of the 2025 hurricane season, the EU is standing ready with satellite-based forecasting data and modelling as well as comprehensive support to early warning systems. This builds on existing cooperation with the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Management Agency (CEDMA) as well as with the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Additionally, to short-term measures, support to long-term climate adaptation capabilities will be implemented. European meteorological institutes with important presence in the region as well as the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) will be involved. 

For example, ECMWF and CIMH have committed to a mutual exchange of experts and engagement with forecasting partners to bolster the capacity of CIMH to use European data and products in support of numerical weather prediction modelling and specifically for tropical cyclone tracking. 

Those efforts add to the implementation of the MoU on Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Risk Management signed in Barbados on 15 May 2024 between the European Union and the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

This announcement follows a recent call between the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley -chair of CARICOM-, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where they discussed opportunities for closer collaboration between the Caribbean and the EU, notably through Copernicus Emergency Management Service.

Background

Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union and its Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, the aim is to mobilise up to EUR 300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator connects corporates and startups across the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean to co-create digital solutions to real business challenges. In its second year, the Accelerator has supported over 43 partnerships across the region. The new Digital Connectors programme marks a targeted effort to strengthen Jamaica’s role in this growing digital ecosystem.

Digital cooperation is a key pillar of the Global Gateway strategy. The EU-LAC Digital Alliance provides the framework for deepening this cooperation, bringing together investment and public policy to build inclusive and competitive digital economies.

Copernicus, emergencies and the regional Copernicus LAC Panama Centre

Copernicus is the Earth Observation component of the EU’s Space Programme. Copernicus data and value-added services in five areas – Land, Marine, Atmosphere, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (CEMS) are made available to all users free-of-charge and complete. In situations of emergency such as hurricanes, the CEMS provides timely and accurate geo-spatial information to EU partners. It was activated when hurricane Beryl stroke in June-July 2024. In addition, the EU is establishing regional Copernicus centres in Panama and Chile in partnership with the host countries. The centres develop specific regional services and transfer skills and capacities. The Copernicus LAC Panama Centre focusses, in particular, on the reduction of risks related to natural disasters (DRR) including floods, droughts and landslides.

High-Level Policy Dialogue under the Digital Alliance

The first High-Level Policy Dialogue with the Caribbean under the Digital Alliance, co-chaired by the Government of Jamaica and the European Commission in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, was held in Kingston, Jamaica from 5–6 June. The event gathered policymakers from both regions to explore concrete areas for digital cooperation ahead of the 2025 CELAC-EU Summit.

Source: Press and information team of the EU Delegation to JAMAICA

Photo credits: Cevan Coore

From the lush landscapes of Dominica to the artisan kitchens of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean innovation and flavour take centre stage at Agroalimentaria 2025, taking place from May 28–31, 2025, at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Convention Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Caribbean Export is proud to host the “Absolutely Caribbean” Pavilion at Booths 35 D and 36 D, where four outstanding companies from the region showcase the richness, creativity, and export potential of Caribbean food and beverage products.

🌿 Frying Pan Productions – Dominica

Frying Pan Productions offers a soothing and functional range of handcrafted tea blends, featuring locally sourced ginger and turmeric-ginger infusions. Rooted in Dominica’s fertile landscapes and wellness traditions, their products promote health, balance, and natural living.

☕ Café 509 – Haiti

At Café 509, the spotlight is on Haitian Blue Mountain Coffee, prized for its smooth body, rich aroma, and delicate flavour profile. Grown in the high-altitude regions of Haiti, this specialty coffee reflects the country’s deep-rooted tradition in coffee cultivation. Café 509 is committed to sustainable farming practices and ethical sourcing, delivering a premium product that captures the essence of Haiti’s terroir.

“It’s our first time at Agroalimentaria, and we’re incredibly thankful to Caribbean Export for making this possible,” said Pierre Desharnais, CEO, Co-Founder & Master Roaster at Café 509. “We honestly didn’t expect such an overwhelming response to our product. We’re going home with great feedback — and even more important, with great business opportunities.”

🍫 Choko Lakay – Haiti

Choko Lakay showcases the versatility of Haitian cacao with its production of cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and cocoa tea. By transforming raw cocoa into high-quality, export-ready products, the company supports local farmers and champions sustainable agriculture while introducing global markets to the richness of Haitian cocoa.

🌶️ Handmade by Jeanette – Trinidad & Tobago

Bringing bold island flavour to the fore, Handmade by Jeanette crafts a diverse range of sauces, pepper sauces, condiments, and health foods. Rooted in Caribbean culinary traditions and made with wholesome, locally sourced ingredients, the brand reflects a passion for wellness, authenticity, and exceptional taste.

In addition to product exhibitions, these companies participate in targeted B2B meetings with international buyers, attend technical conferences, and take part in a curated gastronomy event that celebrates the versatility and creativity of Caribbean ingredients.

As one of the Caribbean’s leading agro-industry trade events, Agroalimentaria attracts global buyers and distributors seeking authentic, high-quality products. The Caribbean’s offering — rooted in heritage, powered by innovation, and shaped by sustainability — is ready to meet that demand.

The future of Caribbean food and beverage is bold, authentic, and export-ready — and it’s making waves on the international stage.

From the cocoa fields of Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic to the vibrant kitchens of Jamaica, Caribbean innovation in health foods is set to make an impact on the global stage. From May 20–22, four agro-processors from the region will bring bold flavours, functional ingredients, and highlight their sustainable practices at Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona—one of the world’s leading events for the health and nutrition industry.

Supported by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and the European Union under the Absolutely Caribbean brand, the event provides a strategic platform for participating firms to engage directly with European buyers, build commercial relationships, and gain valuable market insights.

The selected companies—Benlar Foods (Jamaica), Kahkow (Dominican Republic), Kairi Chocolate Company Limited (Trinidad and Tobago), and Veusse Naturals Ltd (Trinidad and Tobago)—will showcase a range of products including traditionally fermented sauces, a range of coconut water fruit infusions, sustainably sourced cocoa and vegan chocolate bars, as well as plant-based cheeses.

“The participation of these four exceptional Caribbean companies at Vitafoods Europe is a testament to the region’s capacity for innovation and its alignment with global health and wellness trends,” said Natasha Edwin-Walcott, Lead – Export Development and Promotion at Caribbean Export ” By supporting firms that are creating sustainable, functional products rooted in the Caribbean’s rich biodiversity, we’re opening new doors for trade, investment, and long-term growth in international markets.”

Consumer preferences across Europe are shifting toward healthier, more natural food options. A 2024 FoodNavigator survey found that 60% of consumers are actively trying to eat healthily, with increasing demand for natural, organic, and regionally sourced products. Additionally, a Speciality Food Magazine report revealed that 38% of consumers aged 35–44 purchase functional foods weekly, with digestive health and immune support among their top concerns.

The Caribbean firms exhibiting at Vitafoods Europe 2025 are well-positioned to meet these evolving demands:

• Benlar Foods offers 100% Jamaican sauces as well as a range of Caribbean fruit-infused coconut water, crafted in an ISO 14001-certified facility.
• Kahkow and Kairi present premium cocoa products made using sustainable farming methods, highlighting the rich, authentic taste of the Caribbean. Kairi’s vegan options including chickpeas and plantain, these innovations are set to captivate the European audience.
• Veusse Naturals Ltd develops nutrient-dense, plant-based cheeses and probiotic-enriched aiolis, incorporating indigenous Caribbean plants to support biodiversity and health-conscious living.

Participation at Vitafoods Europe represents a key opportunity for these brands to expand their presence in international markets and contribute meaningfully to the global dialogue on health, sustainability, and food innovation.

The Caribbean is ready to change the conversation. For decades, the region has been defined by its postcard-perfect beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. But this July, Montego Bay will host a transformative event that seeks to reintroduce the Caribbean to the world as a credible and competitive investment destination.

The Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2025, officially launched this month in Kingston, is being positioned as the region’s premier platform for connecting international capital with high-potential, investment-ready opportunities across the Caribbean. The Forum is scheduled to take place in Montego Bay from July 29–31, 2025, under the theme “SMART. GREEN. CONNECTED.”

Hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the European Union, and the CARICOM Secretariat, CIF 2025 represents a strategic pivot in how the region markets itself globally. It highlights the Caribbean’s natural assets and its untapped potential in sectors vital to sustainable growth.

“The Caribbean has reached a pivotal juncture,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, at the launch event. “We can no longer rely solely on traditional sectors to attract investment. We are building an economic ecosystem that is green, digital, and inclusive to ensure a resilient Caribbean region. CIF is where those ambitions meet action. The Caribbean Investment Forum continues to be the premier platform that transforms Caribbean potential into performance and the Caribbean region will move from global interest into investment impact.”

Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica’s Business Ministry, underscored the significance of Jamaica hosting this year’s Forum:
“Jamaica is tremendously honoured to host the Caribbean Investment Forum 2025 in partnership with the Caribbean Export. The forum provides a dynamic platform to demonstrate the readiness of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to do business, increase exports, especially high-value services and attract transformative investments that grow GDP per capita, boost productivity and increase prosperity. As a Government, we are proud to lead the charge in presenting a greener, smarter and more connected Caribbean to the world, one which is open for transformative investments.”

CIF 2025 is expected to convene over 500 delegates, including international investors, government leaders, development finance institutions, entrepreneurs, and diaspora representatives. Over the three-day period, attendees will engage in pitch sessions, policy discussions, sector-specific roundtables, and deal-making opportunities.

The focus for this year’s Forum is both timely and ambitious. Key investment sectors include:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Strengthening food security and agribusiness innovation
• Green Economy Transition: Advancing renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainability
• Digital Transformation: Powering the future with fintech, AI, and smart technologies
• Logistics & Transportation: Enhancing trade, mobility and infrastructure for global connectivity

These sectors were deliberately chosen for their potential to generate inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and position the Caribbean as a serious player in global value chains.

At the launch, Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas, reiterated the EU’s commitment:

” From green energy to digital transformation and transport connectivity, the European Union sees the Caribbean as a strategic partner in building a sustainable, better-connected future. Together, we can drive innovation, attract climate-smart investment and empower the region’s next generation of entrepreneurs. This is why the EU is excited to support the Caribbean Investment Forum 2025, where concrete collaborations can be incubated.”

The anticipated impact of CIF 2025 extends beyond Montego Bay. Organisers hope the event will catalyse a longer-term shift in how the Caribbean positions itself in global investment narratives. As the countdown to July begins, stakeholders across the region and the diaspora are being called upon to participate as partners in building a new Caribbean economy.

For more information on how to attend or partner with CIF 2025, visit www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com or contact the organisers at info@carib-export.com.

• Over 930 business professionals across the region benefited from targeted support and capacity-building initiatives in 2024
• Women entrepreneurs made up 52% of all beneficiaries.
• Six major economic development programmes across key sectors, including green transition and digital transformation

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has released its Annual Results Report 2024, under the theme ‘Delivering Impact’. This year’s report outlines how Caribbean Export continued to advance economic transformation by providing strategic support to businesses through initiatives focused on innovation, resilience, and sustainable private sector development across the Caribbean.

Operating in a complex global landscape, Caribbean Export facilitated interventions reaching over 930 entrepreneurs across 15 CARIFORUM states. Through key partnerships with the European Union, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Compete Caribbean, Republic Bank, Caribbean Development Bank and others, the Agency mobilised over USD 14 million in donor funding to implement programmes that strengthened competitiveness and created opportunities for regional firms.

The report showcases the success of six major development projects, including the EU-funded Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP III), and regional initiatives under the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator; the Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute, and the Green Energy Toolkit for MSMEs funded by IDB. These efforts tackled priority areas such as sustainable agriculture, green transition, renewable energy, digital innovation, and market access.

“Caribbean Export has to show relevance and impact to our private sector actors. We have not only deepened our existing programs but also introduced new initiatives that align with the dynamic needs of the region’s private sector,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. “The success of this year’s programmes confirms that when we provide the right support, our businesses can excel on a global stage.”

Women-led enterprises continued to thrive, representing 52% of all supported businesses, while the Agency deepened its impact through inclusive programming and a strong focus on delivery and accountability across its portfolio.

The report also marks the completion of the Agency’s 2021–2024 Strategic Plan and introduces a bold new roadmap for 2025–2028. The new strategy is designed to boost investment readiness, strengthen institutional capacity, and position the Caribbean as a globally competitive and resilient region.

“A strong partnership is precisely what the European Union and the Caribbean Export Development Agency share. For decades, we have worked together to drive economic transformation in the Caribbean by supporting private sector development and creating more and better opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises across the region,” noted Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska.

The Annual Results Report 2024 event, held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle, on April 16, 2025, brought together stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries to reflect on the year’s achievements and set the stage for the Agency’s new strategic agenda.

Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of economies across the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond, but access to finance and export opportunities remains a challenge. Mindful of this constraint, Republic Bank and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), with co-funding from the European Union via the 3^rd Regional Private Sector Development Programme, have embarked on a collaborative capacity-building initiative to position small businesses for expanded success. The Republic Bank -Caribbean Export “Thrive: Unlocking Finance and Export Potential for SMEs”  programme, a virtual finance and export development training initiative, will commence in April 2025 to benefit five hundred (500) SMEs.

The Republic Bank – Caribbean Export programme, Thrive, will provide 500 small businesses across Anguilla, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago with access to relevant and dynamic expert training designed to help them scale, innovate, and compete globally. Through online learning, live group sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities, the programme focuses on building resilience, improving financial literacy, and unlocking new market potential—key ingredients for sustainable business growth.

The programme will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, Business Capacity Building 1.0, up to 500 entrepreneurs will receive expert training to enhance their financial and export readiness. From this group, the top 50 participants will advance to the second phase—Access 2 Finance Accelerator—a fully funded, six-month intensive training programme. While the value of phase one training is USD $156.00 per participant, a nominal commitment fee of USD $60.00 will be charged. This fee will be fully refunded upon successful completion of Business Capacity Building 1.0.

The Republic Bank–Caribbean Export Thrive programme aligns with the Bank’s Power to Make A Difference corporate social responsibility programme given its aim to bolster entrepreneurship and accelerate the development of communities and countries.  “We recognise the incredible potential of SMEs and the barriers they face in accessing finance and expanding into new markets. Through this initiative, we are committed to bridging that gap, providing the knowledge and resources necessary for businesses to not just survive, but thrive,” said Nigel Baptiste, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Financial Holdings Limited. He continued, “Beyond business success, it aligns with global goals for sustainable economic development, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By equipping SMEs with the tools to adopt innovative and sustainable practices, this programme will drive inclusive growth across all markets from which participants are drawn.”

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening business competitiveness. “It is an immense pleasure to partner with Republic Bank, one of the most successful indigenous financial institutions in the Caribbean, to empower small and medium enterprises across the region. Through Thrive, we are not just offering training—we are equipping businesses with the financial acumen, market intelligence, and strategic networks needed to scale and succeed. By addressing key barriers to growth, this initiative strengthens our region’s private sector and positions Caribbean entrepreneurs to take full advantage of international trade opportunities. This collaboration is a significant step toward driving sustainable economic transformation across the Caribbean and beyond.”

By investing in SMEs, this initiative is creating a ripple effect where stronger businesses lead to stronger communities and economies. With the right support, these enterprises can fuel innovation, create jobs, and position themselves as key players in the regional and global marketplace.

Five years ago, Tamara Gibson launched Native Caribbean, a Barbadian, woman-owned business creating culturally relevant scents and artisanal candles. Just three weeks after opening, COVID-19 struck—but instead of halting progress, the business continued to grow. Today, her business has moved locations three times to accommodate expansion, and with the ability to pour 1,000 candles a day, Native Caribbean continues to thrive in both local and international markets.

On February 21st, Canada’s Minister of International Development, The Hon. Ahmed Hussen, visited Native Caribbean to witness first-hand the impact of development programs in driving business growth, innovation and economic empowerment. Facilitated by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), the visit highlighted how targeted support through strategic partnerships between business support organizations such as Export Barbados amongst others, has helped firms like Tamara’s scale, access financing and enter international markets- an example of success that Canada hopes to replicate across the Caribbean through a new project- to be implemented by Caribbean export.

“Risk doesn’t disappear, but it can be managed with the right support. Agencies like Caribbean Export and Export Barbados provide a buffer, helping businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities,” said Tamara. “Development funding and technical assistance are critical. Support from Caribbean Export gave us our first export plan—something I couldn’t have done alone. This kind of assistance helps businesses grow in ways we don’t always have the capacity for, opening doors to new markets and sustainable expansion”.

Tamara’s success story aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to fostering economic opportunities for women-led businesses in the region. During the Minister’s visit, Caribbean Export and Global Affairs Canada announced the CAD $3.46 million Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) project. GRIT will help women entrepreneurs in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines:

• Enhance their productivity by adopting green business practices and technology.
• Develop the skills needed to meet international market requirements, including in Canada.
• Participate in trade missions and gain insights into new market opportunities.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, welcomed Canada’s continued investment in women entrepreneurs, stating:

“We are grateful for the Canadian government’s support for women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. With this kind of backing, women-led businesses will have greater opportunities to grow, build resilience, and expand their exports—driving significant impact across the region,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan.

Tamara’s journey—from a startup navigating a global pandemic to a thriving export-ready business—is proof of what is possible when women entrepreneurs receive the tools they need to succeed. With initiatives like GRIT, more Caribbean women will be empowered to follow in her footsteps, transforming their businesses and their communities.

The Development Bank of Jamaica today (February 24) signed an Agreement with Caribbean Export for the introduction of a grant funding initiative aimed at driving Corporate Venturing and entrepreneurial innovation. The initiative will provide grant funding for local tech entrepreneurs and innovators who have secured a partnership with corporate entities to solve challenges. The DBJ, will provide grant funding to the tech entrepreneurs and innovators of up to US$75,000 once there is a partnership established between the corporate and a tech entrepreneur.

The MoU will provide local tech entrepreneurs with access to the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator which is led by TECNALIA and major international benchmark institutions such as IESE Business School, WAYRA- Telefónica, the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), the European Business Angels Network (EBAN), Expertise France, TECNALIA Ventures, Inter-American Development Bank IDB-Lab, TECNALIA-Colombia and implemented by Caribbean Export across the region.

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Edison Galbraith, Acting Managing Director, stated; “This Agreement will expand the activities within the Jamaican entrepreneurial ecosystem, by encouraging the participation of corporate companies. Corporates will be able to reap the benefits of the Jamaican entrepreneurs and innovators, collaborating to solve the challenges of corporates. It is a win-win for all, both corporates and the Entrepreneurs and Innovators. This is an investment in our people.”

Under the programme the Bank will work with Caribbean Export to issue a ‘Call for Challenges’ from corporates and invite Tech Entrepreneurs and Innovators to register on the platform to offer solutions.

“This partnership with the Development Bank of Jamaica marks a significant step in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean. By connecting tech entrepreneurs with corporate partners and facilitating access to critical funding, we are creating opportunities for scalable solutions that drive business competitiveness and economic growth. Caribbean Export is committed to supporting this initiative through training and access to global networks, ensuring that our region’s innovators have the tools and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

The DBJ is confirming that Caribbean Export will be conducting a series of training workshops with tech Entrepreneurs and Innovators prior to the issuing of the ‘Call for challenges’ from corporates. The first of these workshops will take place in Kingston, Jamaica on February 26th under the title “Navigating Innovation: Bridging Corporations and Startups for a Thriving Digital Ecosystem in Jamaica.”

“The Development Bank of Jamaica wants to encourage all Corporates to connect with us to learn more about how this programme can benefit your entities. To grow your footprint you must innovate, collaborate with the technology innovators and invest in research and development. Corporation have traditionally been slower to adapt to the changing environment. Let this programme be the kick-start for your transformation, stated Christopher Brown, Programme Manager, BIGEE.

The Development Bank of Jamaica is the Executing Agency for the Government of Jamaica US$25 million loan programme signed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in 2020 to build out Jamaica’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. In 2021, BIGEE received a non-reimbursable grant of US8.2 million from the European Union to support the programme.

• Collaboration to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across CARIFORUM states.
• Focus on enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt sustainable energy practices.
• Joint efforts in technical assistance, project funding, and knowledge transfer to transform the region’s energy landscape.

At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) on Energy Day, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing followed Caribbean Export’s panel discussion, Building Climate Resilience in the Caribbean Region – A Private Sector Approach, held in the CARICOM Pavilion. Witnessed by key regional partners, it punctuated the pressing need for concrete climate action to advance sustainable energy solutions in the Caribbean.

The agreement focuses on empowering Caribbean businesses to adopt innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency practices. Key areas of collaboration include technical assistance, capacity building, and the joint development of projects aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting clean, affordable energy technologies.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
” This collaboration represents a bold step towards empowering Caribbean businesses to lead in the green economy. By leveraging our combined expertise, we are not only advancing energy efficiency but also driving innovation that enhances competitiveness and resilience across the region. Together, we will shape a region where businesses thrive and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Caribbean.”

Dr. Mohammad Rafik Nagdee, Executive Director of CCREEE, highlighted the broader implications of the agreement:
” The Caribbean’s transition to renewable energy is not just a necessity but an opportunity for economic growth and resilience. The private sector’s involvement is crucial in driving innovation and investment in sustainable energy solutions. The renewed Memorandum of Understanding signed on Energy Day at COP29 in Azerbaijan, underscores our commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that will accelerate this transition and ensure a sustainable future for our region.”

This MOU signals a united front in tackling climate change and fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem in the Caribbean. Through their collaboration, Caribbean Export and CCREEE aim to unlock funding opportunities, advance regional energy policies, and inspire innovative solutions for a greener future.