A bold new chapter for women in Caribbean trade began yesterday, November 6, 2025, in Dominica as the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), unveiled GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory.
The programme aims to transform the regional business landscape by helping women-led enterprises navigate barriers to trade, scale their impact, and sustain growth through green transition, digital transformation, and expanded market access.
The launch event brought together representatives from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Government of Canada, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from across the island – all united by a shared commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Empowering Women in Trade
“Initiatives like GRIT are not only about empowering women, but they are also 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,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Representing the Government of Canada, H.E. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting inclusive growth across the region stating: “Trade can be a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth”. She continued: “Canada strongly supports inclusive trade—where the benefits of economic opportunity are shared equitably among youth, Indigenous peoples, and women. We believe this is essential for building resilience and sustainability.”
In her welcome remarks, Chief Anette Thomas Sanford, Chief of the Kalinago Territory, underscored the importance of empowering indigenous and women entrepreneurs to lead local economic development.
Meanwhile Ms. Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade opportunities for women across Dominica and the wider Caribbean.
GRIT Programme Overview
Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes at Caribbean Export, presented an overview of the GRIT programme, detailing how it supports women-owned businesses through technical assistance, market intelligence, and trade facilitation. With CAD $3.16 million in funding from the Government of Canada, GRIT is a four-year initiative aimed at boosting women’s participation in export markets — particularly to Canada — by providing resources, training, and business linkages across Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Keynote and Fireside Conversations
Delivering the Keynote Address, Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is critical to achieving resilient and sustainable development in Dominica. “The story of Dominica’s progress cannot be told without honoring the women of the Kalinago Territory — the first women of this land, whose resilience, skill, and wisdom have quietly shaped the nation’s character and development for centuries,” said Minister Frederick.
The keynote address was followed by a Fireside Chat, featuring Dominican women entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze, CEO of Éclat Nova Luxuries, and Natasha Green, of Tilou Kanawa Restaurant & Artisan Brand. The engaging discussion explored the challenges, creativity and resilience of women leading businesses in the creative industries.
The GRIT launch marks another step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable trade. Through collaboration between Caribbean Export, Global Affairs Canada, and national trade agencies like DEXIA, the initiative is set to open new doors for women entrepreneurs — turning ambition into opportunity and potential into progress.
