Opportunities

Caribbean Export Development Agency invites CARIFORUM-based agro-processing and digital services firms to express interest in joining a high-impact business matchmaking mission to Europe, scheduled between October 2025 and February 2026. This initiative is implemented under the European Union’s Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP) and aims to deepen Caribbean-EU economic engagement through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

This mission will connect high-potential Caribbean firms with buyers, distributors, developers, investors, and innovation networks in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands—three strategic EU markets offering gateway access, consumer demand for Caribbean goods and services, and re-export advantages. Targeted sectors are:

1. Value-Added Agro-Processing – including sauces and condiments, tropical fruit products, heritage beverages including spirits, plant-based snacks, and other clean-label, organic, or sustainable food products.
2. Digital Services – including fintech, e-commerce platforms, UX/UI design, AI solutions, cybersecurity, and mobile app development.

Through pre-mission training, tailored market intelligence, and structured B2B meetings, participating firms will be positioned to expand market share, secure contracts, and establish long-term EU partnerships.

CARIBBEAN EXPORT SUPPORT

• Selected firms will receive support valued at over €10,000, each, including:
• Accommodation in European markets to undertake the mission and business matchmaking.
• Ground transport in the identified EU markets to facilitate the mission.
• Virtual training on EU market entry, compliance, and business pitching.
• On-the-ground matchmaking facilitation and networking in Brussels Belgium, including a Caribbean Products & Services Showcase.
• Visit to a trade expo where aligned with EU trade events.
• Minimum 3–5 pre-arranged B2B meetings per firm in each target country.
• Marketing and promotional material adapted for EU audiences.

FIRM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Return airfare to Europe and travel within Europe to the identified markets.
• Meals, personal expenses, and local transport (unless included in official programme).
• Other branded promotional material (brochures, business cards, etc.).
• Other associated expenses incurred during the trip, including the cost of shipment of samples, where applicable, travel insurance, visa fees etc.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested firms must:

1. Complete and submit the following form, Invitation to Participate in the 2025-2026 Caribbean Export Trade Mission to Europe – Belgium, France, and the Netherlands Survey.
2. Submit a 3–5-minute video introducing the company, stating motivation for joining, and outlining expected outcomes.

Applications should be submitted at the link above and accompanying videos emailed to trademission@carib-export.com and copied to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com by 23:59 AST, September 7, 2025.

Shortlisted firms may undergo an export readiness assessment. Final selection will be confirmed by September 30, 2025.

Selected firms will need to provide confirmed flight details 6 weeks before the mission.

Download the full EOI below.

Background 

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is implementing the European Union’s Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP). The overall objective of the RPSDP is to increase employment creation, inclusiveness, and overall poverty reduction in CARIFORUM countries through targeted interventions that provide new and innovative frameworks for growth and development. 

As the regional trade and investment promotion agency for the CARICOM Member States and the Dominican Republic, Caribbean Export is leading efforts to enhance private sector export capacity and competitiveness. Aligned with the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, “Transforming the Caribbean Through a Resilient Private Sector,” Caribbean Export is seeking to undertake a trade mission to Europe as part of a wider effort to deepen market access, expand export earnings, and foster inclusive, innovation-driven growth. 

Despite the EPA being in effect since 2008, regional utilisation rates remain below potential. Limited awareness of EPA benefits, regulatory complexities, and weak market connections continue to constrain Caribbean exporters—particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This trade mission to Europe is therefore a direct response to the urgent need to diversify export markets, reduce vulnerability to external shocks, and enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean firms in high-growth sectors. It is designed to leverage the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)—a comprehensive trade and development agreement that provides CARIFORUM states with duty-free and quota-free access to the EU for most goods and preferential treatment for services. 

The trade mission directly addresses these constraints by providing a structured, supported entry point into three of the EU’s most strategic and accessible markets: Belgium, France and the Netherlands. 

These markets were strategically selected for their complementary strengths: 

• Belgium is home to EU institutions and global distribution networks, making it a critical gateway to broader European commercial engagement. 

• France offers a dynamic consumer base with rising demand for sustainable, natural, and culturally distinct products and services 

• The Netherlands is a top re-export hub with world-class logistics infrastructure and one of Europe’s most open economies. 

In terms of sectors of interest, the trade mission anticipates a dual-track approach, reflecting two priorities of Caribbean Export: value-added agro-processing and digital trade. 

Agro-processing remains one of the most vital pillars of the regional economy, representing a major share of the manufacturing sector and contributing significantly to employment, rural livelihoods, and export earnings. However, many agro-processors face barriers related to certification, logistics, and market entry. This mission will help bridge those gaps through in-market exposure, buyer linkages, and targeted technical support. 

Given the rising demand and interest in the European Union for ethnic, organic, clean-label, sustainable, and health-conscious food products, Caribbean offerings such as natural sauces, tropical fruit products, heritage beverages, and plant-based snacks—align with these trends. Moreover, the alignment with EPA preferences relative to the CARIFORUM-EU EPA which provides duty-free, quota-free access for agro-processed goods, offers a clear competitive advantage. 

Digital trade represents the future of global commerce and an immense opportunity for small states to overcome traditional limitations of scale and geography. Caribbean digital firms, particularly in fintech and software development, mobile applications and e-commerce are agile, innovative, and ready to engage in high-value service exports. By tapping into Europe’s booming digital economy and startup ecosystems, this mission seeks to position Caribbean firms as viable digital partners on the global stage. 

Given the global demand for digital solutions, European markets are undergoing rapid digital transformation, creating opportunities for service providers in User Experience/User Interface fintech, e-commerce platforms, cybersecurity, and AI. Moreover, given that Digital services can be delivered virtually, bypassing many traditional trade barriers and physical infrastructure limitations, the sector attracts a low trade friction. Additionally, the CARIFORUM-EU EPA includes commitments on services and e-commerce, providing a legal framework for Caribbean digital firms to operate in the EU. 

It is also evident that this trade mission is taking place at a critical geopolitical moment including the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy’s commitment to sustainable partnerships with regions like the Caribbean, with a focus on climate resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development. Caribbean Export’s initiative therefore aligns with these goals and represents a concrete step toward deepening EU-CARIFORUM economic cooperation. 

Both sectors represent high-growth, high-value opportunities for the Caribbean’s private sector. While agro-processing strengthens rural and agricultural linkages, digital trade drives innovation, youth employment, and services exports. Together, they reflect the dual imperative of transforming traditional industries and embracing future-ready sectors—positioning the Caribbean as a diverse and dynamic partner in Europe’s trade and investment landscape. 

Contracting Authority 

The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency (hereinafter Caribbean Export/the Agency).  

Beneficiary Countries 

CARIFORUM Region: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. 

Target Groups 

CARIFORUM Agro-processors. 

CARIFORUM Digital Developers providers. 

Overall Objective 

The overall objective of the consultancy is to enhance the export competitiveness of CARIFORUM exporters in the named categories to meet the increasing demand for their products and services in the European market.  

Specific Objectives 

Specifically, this consultancy aims to retain the services of an international trade and market access expert(s) who will:  

• Facilitate market entry for at least 12 high-potential Caribbean firms in agro-processing and digital sectors.  

• Forge business linkages with European importers, distributors, investors, and innovation networks; 

• Promote Caribbean-made products and digital solutions as competitive and export-ready; 

• Deepen Opportunities for trade under the CARIFORUM-EU EPA by enabling firm-level engagement in key EU markets. This will include engagement opportunities such as meeting, business-to-business meetings and product showcases.  

Logistics and Timing 

Work is expected to commence 1 October 2025, with the mission occurring no later than February 28^th, 2026.  

Requirements

The selected consulting firm or individual expert(s) must demonstrate extensive experience and expertise in international trade, market access, business matchmaking, and SME export development, particularly with a focus on the Caribbean and European Union markets. 

• At least 7–10 years of demonstrated experience in international trade facilitation, export promotion, or global business development, particularly in emerging markets or developing economies. 

• Proven success designing and implementing B2B matchmaking missions or trade delegations targeting the EU market. 

• In-depth knowledge and professional experience working in one or both of the following sectors: 

• Agro-processing: including certification processes (e.g., HACCP, Organic, Fairtrade), food safety standards, and supply chain logistics for EU markets. 

• Digital Services and ICT: including experience with SaaS, fintech, AI, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, e-commerce platforms, or mobile app development. 

• Strong familiarity with European Union market regulations, buyer behaviour, certification requirements, and trade preferences under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). 

• Previous work supporting SMEs to navigate EU regulatory frameworks for goods and services (e.g., CE marking, GDPR, VAT compliance). 

• Proven understanding of Caribbean business environments, SME constraints, and export readiness challenges. 

• Prior experience engaging with CARIFORUM SMEs, BSOs, or export promotion agencies is a strong asset. 

• Demonstrated experience developing B2B matchmaking schedules, organising buyer-seller meetings, and facilitating trade networking in EU markets. 

• Strong network and direct access to buyers, distributors, importers, investors, and innovation hubs in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. 

• Ability to design and deliver export readiness training for SMEs, including modules on: 

• EU buyer engagement strategies 

• Export documentation and compliance 

• Business pitching and cross-cultural communication 

• Experience supporting SMEs in developing pitch decks, promotional material, and product/service profiling. 

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; working knowledge of French and/or Dutch is a strong asset. 

Submission Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Technical proposal to meet scope of works identified 
• Financial proposal in EUROs 
• Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14 

Submit proposals by email to trademission@carib-export.com and copied to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com

Deadline for submission: 7 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Assistant – Grant Funding will provide administrative and coordination support to the Agency’s grant funding programme and other initiatives focused on providing finance to the CARIFORUM private sector. The role involves providing logistical and administrative support, maintaining accurate records, assisting with programme communications, and coordinating activities to ensure the smooth operation of these programmes. Key functions include supporting Business Support Organisations (BSOs), maintaining tracking and record-keeping systems, preparing inputs for reports, and assisting with programme monitoring. The Programme Assistant will also provide support to the grant evaluation committee and, when required, participate in the review of proposals, in addition to handling scheduling, travel arrangements, and routine administrative inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and logistical support for the implementation and promotion of the Agency’s Grant Programme and other financing programmes.
• Assist with the dissemination of information to firms and stakeholders regarding funding programmes, including requirements, available funds, and application procedures.
• Work with selected BSOs to facilitate the effective implementation of the grant programme and associated financing initiatives.
• Maintain proper record-keeping systems and assist with updating electronic tracking tools for grants management.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the grant evaluation committee and participate in proposal review when assigned.
• Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, coordinating travel, and handling routine office inquiries.
• Assist with gathering basic information for internal reports and simple analyses.
• Establish and maintain files, databases, and records to support programme reporting and monitoring.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Agency’s projects and activities.

Contract Duration

6 months, with payment based on deliverables.

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your application letter, CV, and completed Applicant Declaration Form to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com, addressed to Mr. Wayne Elliott, Manager, Technical Programmes, no later than 4:30 p.m. AST on August 27, 2025.

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

The Caribbean region, characterized by its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) status, faces numerous challenges, including high dependence on imported fossil fuels, small market sizes, limited economies of scale, and vulnerability to external shocks. These constraints impact economic resilience, business competitiveness, and sustainability efforts, particularly in the context of energy consumption and efficiency. Recognizing these challenges, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in collaboration with Business Support Organizations (BSOs), will implement a project to advance energy efficiency (EE), Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP), and Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) across the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed structural weaknesses within Caribbean economies, particularly the reliance on foreign tourism and commodities. Economic activity in the region declined by 9.9% from 2019 to 2020, surpassing the 6.8% contraction experienced by Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as a whole. For instance, in Barbados, the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP plummeted from 17.5% in 2019 to just 2.8% in 2021. The hardest-hit sectors included tourism, retail, and services, disproportionately affecting women-led businesses and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These economic vulnerabilities have reinforced the urgency for Caribbean nations to adopt strategies that reduce dependence on imports, create resilient jobs, and add value through local manufacturing and services.

Access to affordable and clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use are critical enablers of business competitiveness. The integration of resource-efficient practices and circular production methodologies can significantly lower costs, enhance productivity, and align Caribbean businesses with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Notably, EE standards are being developed under the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), covering buildings, appliances, and lighting. However, the uptake of EE, RECP, and VSS strategies remains limited due to technological gaps, lack of access to finance, and insufficient awareness, particularly among MSMEs. Many businesses perceive these measures as complex and financially burdensome, hindering widespread adoption.

To address these challenges, this initiative aims to develop and implement an online energy audit tool and training programs to support MSMEs in adopting EE, RECP, and VSS strategies and technologies. The project will focus on enhancing awareness, facilitating access to information, and providing technical support to businesses, helping them transition towards sustainable and cost-effective operations. By doing so, the initiative seeks to transform MSMEs’ perception of sustainability measures from burdensome obligations into viable business opportunities.

The initiative will also include advocacy efforts to promote EE, RECP, and VSS adoption, fostering a more resilient and competitive Caribbean business ecosystem. The digital platform established under this project will serve as a scalable solution, offering iterative upgrades, sector-specific insights, and country-level business cases to ensure long-term impact beyond the project’s implementation phase.
Given the region’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and its susceptibility to climate-related disasters, transitioning to renewable energy and energy-efficient practices is both an economic and environmental necessity. Natural hazards such as hurricanes, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, pose a significant threat to energy infrastructure. Without resilient energy solutions, these events can result in severe disruptions and financial losses.

Through this initiative, Caribbean Export and its partners aim to bridge the gap in MSME support, fostering a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and competitive private sector in the Caribbean.

Contracting Authority
The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency (hereinafter
Caribbean Export/the Agency).

Beneficiary Countries
Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago

Overall Objectives
The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of the Caribbean Green Energy
Adoption and Energy Efficiency Toolkit for MSMEs. The Program Officer will provide technical expertise in
energy efficiency (EE), renewable energy (RE), and circular economy practices, ensuring that MSMEs can
effectively integrate these principles into their business models. The consultant will work closely with the
Caribbean Export Development Agency and partner Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to promote green energy adoption and support MSMEs in their transition toward sustainability.

Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the Consultancy are:

• Advise and coordinate the development and implementation of the Online Energy Audit Tool for MSMEs to assess energy efficiency and adopt sustainable business practices.
• Provide technical advisory and support in the design and execution of training programs on EE, Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), and Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP).
• Support the marketing and outreach strategy for MSMEs, ensuring awareness and engagement in green energy adoption.
• Facilitate policy alignment and capacity building among regional governments, BSOs, and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to promote energy-efficient business environments.
  Support project reporting and the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring alignment with the program’s expected outcomes.

Scope of Work
The Program Officer will:

• Lead the development, customization and deployment of the Energy Audit Tool by ensuring it aligns
  with international energy efficiency standards and is user-friendly for MSMEs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Caribbean Export, beneficiary BSOs and MSMEs regarding
  energy management strategies and sustainability practices.
• Oversee the development of training materials and facilitation of both virtual and in-person workshops focused on EE, RECP, and VSS adoption for MSMEs.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to integrate clean energy solutions, including solar, wind, and
  storage technologies, into MSME operations.
• Engage with policymakers and private sector stakeholders to advance policy recommendations for a
  just energy transition.
• Support the project’s data collection and analysis, providing reports on MSME energy adoption trends and sustainability performance.

Contract Duration
12 months, with payment based on deliverables

Location
The Programme Officer will operate on a hybrid basis, combining remote work with in-person duties at the Head Office in Barbados as required.

Submission Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.
• Signed Application Declaration in Clause 10.

Submit proposals by email to greenenergy@carib-export.com.

Deadline for submission: 4 September 2025 at 4:00 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator programme—part of the Global Gateway strategy—Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is pleased to announce a new consultancy to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago.

The EU-LAC Social Accelerator is a flagship initiative designed to foster inclusive, resilient, and innovative ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to a just, socially responsible, and inclusive green and digital transition. It aims to reduce inequalities, enhance social cohesion, and encourage investment in high-impact social sectors.

This consultancy falls under Output 1.1 of the programme, focusing on mapping and characterising social innovation poles in Trinidad and Tobago. It will provide a comprehensive mapping of initiatives, actors, and opportunities—using a validated methodology—to guide the development of a national strategy and roadmap for social innovation. The approach will be gender-transformative, in line with the European Union Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), and will integrate intersectionality and human rights principles throughout.

Contracting Authority
Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Country
Trinidad and Tobago

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago by providing a robust evidence base for strategic planning and investment, contributing to an inclusive and sustainable green and digital transition.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and map active or emerging social innovation poles and relevant actors in Trinidad and Tobago, incorporating gender, intersectionality, and social justice approaches.
• Develop a structured, geo-referenced database of actors and initiatives, disaggregated by sector, role, and target groups.
• Produce a participatory diagnostic of the ecosystem, including SWOT analysis, policy review, and network mapping.
• Identify barriers, opportunities, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Provide technical inputs for a national roadmap and baseline for impact measurement.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct a review of relevant national and international documentation on social innovation and inclusion.
• Design and validate data collection tools (surveys, interview guides).
• Carry out surveys, interviews, and focus groups to collect data from key stakeholders.
• Map and characterise social innovation poles, including relationships and collaboration levels.
• Prepare an ecosystem diagnostic with gender and inclusion perspectives.
• Deliver a proposed roadmap for strengthening social innovation in Trinidad and Tobago.

Duration
The consultancy will be implemented over four (4) months, starting on or about September 1, 2025, and concluding in December 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical Proposal outlining approach, methodology, and relevant experience.
• Financial Proposal in USD.
• Resume/CV and relevant references.
• Legal documentation (e.g., business registration).

Submit proposals by email to maybar@carib-export.com
Deadline for submission: 29 August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator programme—part of the Global Gateway strategy—Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is pleased to launch a new consultancy aimed at strengthening the social innovation ecosystem in Jamaica.

The EU-LAC Social Accelerator is a flagship initiative that fosters inclusive, resilient, and innovative ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to a just, socially responsible, and inclusive green and digital transition. It seeks to reduce inequalities, promote social cohesion, and stimulate investment in high-impact social sectors.

This consultancy forms part of Output 1.1 of the programme, focusing on mapping and characterising social innovation poles in Jamaica. It will deliver a comprehensive mapping of initiatives, actors, and opportunities—using a validated methodology—to guide the creation of a national strategy and roadmap for social innovation. The approach will be gender-transformative, aligned with the European Union Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), and will integrate intersectionality and human rights principles across all activities.

Contracting Authority
Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Country
Jamaica

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To strengthen Jamaica’s social innovation ecosystem by providing a solid evidence base for strategic planning and investment, thereby contributing to an inclusive and sustainable green and digital transition.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and map active or emerging social innovation poles and relevant actors in Jamaica, applying gender, intersectionality, and social justice approaches.
• Develop a structured, geo-referenced database of actors and initiatives, disaggregated by sector, role, and target groups.
• Produce a participatory diagnostic of the ecosystem, including SWOT analysis, policy review, and network mapping.
• Identify barriers, opportunities, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Provide technical inputs for a national roadmap and baseline for impact measurement.

Scope of Work:

• Review and analyse relevant national and international documentation on social innovation and inclusion.
• Design and validate data collection tools (surveys, interview guides).
• Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups with diverse stakeholders.
• Map and characterise social innovation poles, including actor relationships and collaboration levels.
• Prepare an ecosystem diagnostic with gender and inclusion considerations.
• Deliver a proposed roadmap for strengthening social innovation in Jamaica.

Duration
The consultancy will be implemented over a four (4) month period, starting on or about September 1, 2025, and ending in December 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical Proposal outlining their approach, methodology, and relevant experience.
• Financial Proposal in USD.
• Resume/CV and relevant references.
• Legal documentation (e.g., business registration).

Submit proposals by email to maybar@carib-export.com
Deadline for submission: 29 August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator programme—part of the Global Gateway strategy—Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is launching a new consultancy to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.

The EU-LAC Social Accelerator is a flagship initiative designed to foster inclusive, resilient, and innovative ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to a just, socially responsible, and inclusive green and digital transition. It seeks to reduce inequalities, enhance social cohesion, and promote investment in high-impact social sectors.

This consultancy is part of Output 1.1 of the programme and will focus on mapping and characterising social innovation poles in the Dominican Republic. It will deliver a detailed mapping of existing initiatives, actors, and opportunities—applying a validated methodology—to inform the design of a national strategy and roadmap for social innovation. The process will follow a gender-transformative approach, in line with the European Union Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), integrating intersectionality and human rights principles at every stage.

Contracting Authority
Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Country
Dominican Republic

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To strengthen the national social innovation ecosystem in the Dominican Republic by providing a robust evidence base for strategic planning and investment, contributing to an inclusive and sustainable green and digital transition.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and map active or emerging social innovation poles and key actors in the country, incorporating gender, intersectionality, and social justice approaches.
• Develop a structured, geo-referenced database of actors and initiatives, disaggregated by sector, role, and target groups.
• Produce a participatory diagnostic of the ecosystem, including SWOT analysis, policy review, and network mapping.
• Identify barriers, opportunities, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Provide technical inputs for a national roadmap and baseline for impact measurement.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct document review and analysis of the national and international context on social innovation and inclusion.
• Design and validate tools for data collection (surveys, interview guides).
• Carry out surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data from key stakeholders.
• Map and characterise social innovation poles, including relationships and levels of collaboration.
• Produce an ecosystem diagnostic with gender and inclusion perspectives.
• Deliver a proposed roadmap for strengthening social innovation in the Dominican Republic.

Duration
The consultancy will run over a period of four (4) months, starting on or about September 1, 2025, and concluding in December 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical Proposal outlining approach, methodology, and relevant experience.
• Financial Proposal in USD.
• Resume/CV and relevant references.
• Legal documentation (e.g., business registration).

Submit proposals by email to maybar@carib-export.com
Deadline for submission: 29 August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator programme—part of the Global Gateway strategy—Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is launching a new consultancy to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in Barbados.

The EU-LAC Social Accelerator is a flagship initiative designed to foster inclusive, resilient, and innovative ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to a just, socially responsible, and inclusive green and digital transition. It aims to reduce inequalities, enhance social cohesion, and promote investment in high-impact social sectors.

This consultancy forms part of Output 1.1 of the programme, focusing on mapping and characterising social innovation poles in Barbados. It will deliver a detailed mapping of existing initiatives, actors, and opportunities—applying a validated methodology—to inform the design of a national strategy and roadmap for social innovation. The work will follow a gender-transformative approach, in line with the European Union Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), incorporating intersectionality and human rights principles throughout.

Contracting Authority
Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Country
Barbados

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To strengthen the national social innovation ecosystem in Barbados by providing a robust evidence base for strategic planning and investment, contributing to an inclusive and sustainable green and digital transition.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and map active or emerging social innovation poles and key actors in Barbados, incorporating gender, intersectionality, and social justice approaches.
• Develop a structured, geo-referenced database of actors and initiatives, disaggregated by sector, role, and target groups.
• Produce a participatory diagnostic of the ecosystem, including SWOT analysis, policy review, and network mapping.
• Identify barriers, opportunities, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Provide technical inputs for a national roadmap and baseline for impact measurement.

Scope of Work:

• Review relevant national and international documentation on social innovation and inclusion.
• Design and validate data collection tools (surveys, interview guides).
• Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data from diverse stakeholders.
• Map and characterise social innovation poles and analyse actor relationships.
• Produce an ecosystem diagnostic, including gender and inclusion perspectives.
• Deliver a proposed roadmap for strengthening social innovation in Barbados.

Duration
The consultancy will be conducted over a period of four (4) months, commencing on or about September 1, 2025, and concluding in December 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical Proposal outlining their approach, methodology, and relevant experience.
• Financial Proposal in USD.
• Resume/CV and relevant references.
• Legal documentation (e.g., business registration).

Submit proposals by email to maybar@carib-export.com
Deadline for submission: 29 August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION/RATIONALE 

Relevant background 

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is implementing results-based monitoring and evaluation (RBME) to measure key outcomes for women-led businesses in the Caribbean as part of the GRIT Project (Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade). A comprehensive baseline survey has been completed, generating rich quantitative and qualitative data across multiple indicators and disaggregated groups. To ensure robust, timely, and actionable monitoring, the project requires a dynamic dashboard solution to visualize, track, and report on its performance indicators and metrics. 

Contracting Authority 

The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency. 

Beneficiary Countries 

The primary beneficiaries under this project are the business support organisations and the private sector in the following CARIFORUM countries: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Target Groups 

CARIFORUM private sector, business support organisations. 

Overall Objective 

To design, develop, and implement an interactive dashboard for project monitoring and reporting, and to build the internal capacity of project staff to maintain, update, and expand the dashboard independently. 

Specific Objectives 

Specifically, the consultancy aims to: 

• Identify and select an appropriate platform in collaboration with the project team. This includes a thorough assessment of the current in-house tools and systems, evaluating compatibility, integration feasibility, and functional requirements. The selected platform should align with existing data workflows and enhance synergies with tools already in use within the organization.  

• Design and develop a customized dashboard to visualize key performance indicators, baseline metrics, and results disaggregated by country, demographic group, and other relevant dimensions. 

• Automate data management processes where possible, including data extraction, transformation, loading (ETL), and periodic updates to minimize manual data handling. 

• Develop clear user documentation and guidelines to enable staff to update, adapt, and expand the dashboard independently. 

• Strengthen the knowledge and skills of project staff through targeted, practical training covering dashboard maintenance, data modelling, and troubleshooting. 

• Ensure a smooth transition and handover, including final testing, validation, and provision of technical support during the initial post-implementation period. 

Purpose of consultancy and expected results  

The purpose of this consultancy is to support Caribbean Export in designing and implementing an integrated, interactive, and user-friendly dashboard to effectively visualize, monitor, and report on project performance indicators and results. The consultancy will also strengthen the technical skills of Caribbean Export staff to ensure they can independently manage, update, and adapt the dashboard for ongoing monitoring, evidence-based decision-making, and stakeholder reporting. 

The consultancy will result in the delivery of a fully functional dashboard that clearly displays the project’s key indicators and baseline metrics, with the ability to filter and drill down by country, sector, indigenous group, and other relevant dimensions. Project staff will be provided with clear user documentation and hands-on training to confidently maintain, refresh, and customize the dashboard as needed. All source files, data models, and administrative credentials will be transferred to Caribbean Export to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce dependence on external technical support. Ultimately, the project team will have a dynamic, accessible monitoring tool that builds internal capacity, supports results-based management, and strengthens reporting and communication with partners and stakeholders. 

SCOPE OF WORK 

Under the direction and supervision of the Lead – Partnerships, Advocacy and Reporting of Caribbean Export and such other personnel who may be assigned, the Consultant Consultant/Expert will deliver the following services: 

Specific Activities: 

1. Dashboard Design & Development 

• Review and analyse all baseline survey data, indicators, and reporting requirements. 

• Recommend the most suitable data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau, among others. 

• Design the architecture for a dashboard that: 

• Visualizes baseline, midline, and endline indicator data. 

• Enables disaggregation by country, age, business type, Indigenous group, disability status, or other relevant dimensions. 

• Provides drill-down and interactive features for exploring trends and gaps. 

• Includes key performance metrics, charts, maps, and custom visuals. 

• Supports exporting and sharing of visuals for reporting to stakeholders and donors. 

• Develop the data visualization dashboard using best practices in data modelling, security, and visual design. 

• Connect the dashboard to relevant data sources (Excel, SharePoint, cloud storage, or databases as applicable) to allow for continuous updates. 

2. Documentation & User Guide 

• Develop a simple, practical user guide explaining: 

• How to update data sources. 

• How to refresh and publish the dashboard. 

• How to create or adjust visuals and reports. 

3. Staff Training & Capacity Building 

• Deliver hands-on training sessions (virtual or in-person) for relevant staff (M&E, communications, programme officers). 

• Training must cover: 

• Basic dashboard concepts. 

• How to upload, clean, and transform data. 

• How to maintain and update the dashboard. 

• How to create new reports and visualizations. 

• How to interpret and present dashboard outputs for decision-making and reporting. 

• Provide follow-up Q&A support for a defined period (e.g., 2 months) to ensure staff can confidently use and manage the dashboard. 

4. Technical Support & Handover 

• Conduct a final review and walkthrough of the full dashboard solution with the project team. 

• Ensure full handover of files, datasets, source files, and admin access. 

• Provide recommendations for future improvements or integration with other tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or donor reporting platforms). 

5. Deliverables 

• Fully functional dashboard with connected data sources. 

• Custom visuals and reports for agreed indicators and metrics. 

• User guide and technical documentation. 

• Training plan and delivery (incl. materials). 

• Post-training support for up to 2 months. 

• Final handover package. 

6. Timeline 

• Total duration: 8 weeks 

• Week 1–2: Requirements gathering & data review 

• Week 3–4: Dashboard design & development 

• Week 5: User guide & testing 

• Week 6: Training sessions 

• Week 7–9: Final adjustments, handover, and support 

Reporting 

The Consultant will work closely with the Lead – Partnerships, Advocacy and Reporting and provide weekly progress updates. 

Commencement date and period of implementation of tasks
The expected term for this consultancy is 5 months.

REQUIREMENTS  

Qualifications  

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering, Data Science or a related field. 
• Certification in Data Visualisation or Business Intelligence Tools highly desired (PowerBI Data Analyst or Tableau Certified Data Analyst)

Expertise Required 

• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar capacity. 

• Proven experience in designing and implementing dashboards such as Power BI or Tableau for M&E, international development, or donor-funded programmes. 

• Strong data modelling and visualization skills. 

• Experience in training staff in data visualization software and data storytelling. 

• Familiarity with results-based management frameworks is an asset. 

• Fluent in English.   

Office Accommodation 

Caribbean Export will provide a space in which the Consultant may work at the Headquarters office in Barbados. 

SUBMISSION 

Interested parties are kindly asked download the full terms of reference and to submit proposals, which must include at least 3 examples of data visualization dashboards created within the last 3 years, together with a quotation for services in USD.  

Submission should be sent to Edna Simpson, Programme Officer, Partnerships, Advocacy and Reporting: esimpson@carib-export.com copied to: jlaryea@carib-export.com. The deadline for submission has been extended until Friday 22^nd August at 11:59pm (AST). 

Please note that the clarification document was updated on August 20, 2025.

Relevant Background

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III), Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is pleased to launch a new consultancy opportunity focused on strengthening the export readiness of MSMEs in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

In 2008, the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was established to boost trade and investment between CARIFORUM states and the EU. While EU exports to the Caribbean have increased, CARIFORUM’s exports to the EU have faced challenges due to limited market access capacity, technical barriers, and a lack of key certifications.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Caribbean economy and must be equipped with the necessary tools to compete effectively in global markets. Caribbean Export, through successive EDF-funded programmes, has been advancing the technical capacity of these enterprises. With this consultancy, we aim to deepen that support, focusing specifically on international certification, packaging, labelling, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards required for entry into the EU market.

This consultancy is a critical part of Caribbean Export’s wider initiative to bolster the capacity of MSMEs in the OECS. It will deliver virtual and in-country training, targeted technical assistance, and business-to-business matchmaking, while fostering long-term institutional partnerships with regional standards bodies such as CROSQ and National Standards Bureaux.

Contracting Authority

Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Countries

Private sector SMEs in the subregion of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States; namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the OECS by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and certifications to access the European Union (EU) market.

Specific Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the role of international standards and certifications in export readiness.
• Improve SME compliance with EU packaging, labelling, and sanitary/phytosanitary standards.
• Deliver technical support to help MSMEs achieve certifications such as HACCP and ISO.
• Promote business-to-business (B2B) linkages between Caribbean and EU firms.
• Strengthen long-term trade capacity and market access for OECS-based MSMEs.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct research on EU certification and labelling requirements, with a focus on pre-packaged food.
• Assess SMEs’ current capabilities and identify gaps in meeting EU market standards.
• Design and deliver regional workshops (virtual, hybrid, or in-person) targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 firms.
• Provide tailored technical assistance, including on-site audits and customized action plans.
• Collaborate with national and regional standards organizations (e.g., CROSQ).
• Monitor SME progress and provide reporting, including recommendations and performance outcomes.
• Conduct “train-the-trainer” sessions to build institutional knowledge and ensure programme sustainability.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to be completed within four (4) months, starting on September 1, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• A Technical Proposal outlining their approach to the consultancy and relevant experience.
• A Financial Proposal in Euros.
• The completed Applicant Declaration Form: Download Here

Proposals should be submitted via email to:

📧 Mrs. Natasha Edwin-Walcott – Lead, Export Development and Promotion
📧 Ms. Mikaela Franklyn – Export Development and Promotion Officer
✉️ Email: nwalcott@carib-export.com and mfranklyn@carib-export.com

Deadline for submission: 8th August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Please see below to download full terms of reference for this consultancy.

• The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator invites partnerships to apply to its open call #4. Partnerships should involve a corporate entity seeking to address a digital challenge and a startup or SME developing a solution to address this challenge.
  
• For open call #4, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator opens a new opportunity area: e-services. However, applications from all industries and digital specialisations are welcome.
  
• EU-LAC partnerships must include at least one corporate and one startup from two of the following regions: the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
  
• Selected candidates will receive acceleration services valued at up to €30,000 (€40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved) and gathered around three pillars: proof of concept, business case, and investment and scaling.

Working on making corporate-startup partnerships true love stories

Following the MIT Sloane Management Review, it is estimated that 7 corporate-startup collaborations fail to reach the expected results. Misaligned cultures and objectives, the startup’s solution being unable to fit into the corporate’s IT environment, no product validation before scaling, etc. A huge number of factors can explain this dramatically high failure rate.

Through a dedicated corporate-startup acceleration programme, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator supports cross-border partnerships between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean in reaching their innovation goals.

“Startups allow corporates to explore innovative solutions to their unsolved needs and problems. They provide unique insights not previously considered or tested. It ultimately has a real impact on the profit and loss statement, generating new revenue streams or saving costs.”

Miguel Rodríguez, Business Development, Octantis

To access the acceleration programme, corporate-startup partnerships must apply to the open calls organised by the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.

Corporates and startups invited to solve e-services challenges (but not only)

Open call #4 for corporate-startup partnerships is open from 1 July 2025 to 31 October 2025.

Applying partnerships should include:

1. A corporate facing an internal or customer-related challenge.
2. A startup or SME providing a digital solution to this challenge.

For open call #4, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator expands its focus to e-services.

E-services can refer to any commercial service that can be managed or completed electronically, without requiring physical presence. For instance:

• Fan engagement app for a football clubs:
  Fans can interact with teams, answer surveys, receive merchandising offers, and access behind-the-scenes club content.
• Virtual exhibitions for museums:
  Cultural institutions can offer virtual tours of their exhibitions on their websites and apps, enticing people to visit.
• Digital onboarding for bank customers:
  With the use of AI, machine learning, and biometric verification, banks can let  customers open accounts in a matter of minutes without them having to visit their local branch.

However, open call #4 is not restricted to e-services only, corporate-startup partnerships from any field are welcome to apply.

Once selected, partnerships will receive à la carte acceleration services

Taking a close look at the common challenges corporates and startups face when they work together, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator designed a 6-month acceleration programme.

The programme focuses on three use cases:

1. A corporate and a startup jointly develop a new product tailored to the corporate’s needs, leveraging the startup’s technological expertise.
2. A startup integrates its solution to improve a corporate’s process, validating its implementation and scalability
3. One partner helps the other adapt a product and successfully enter and sell in its local market.

To solve these different scenarios, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator grouped acceleration services around three pillars:

• Proof of concept, to validate the tech feasibility of the solution and ensure it answers a real need.

“We first support partnerships in reducing uncertainty when developing their innovation by conducting a proof of concept service to determine the feasibility of the project. Such a service demonstrates the strength of novel concepts and the challenges to overcome.”

Txomin Rodríguez, Product & Business Development, Octantis

• Business case, to build a business model that generates revenue and establish a winning international expansion strategy.
• Investment & Scaling, to produce and sell exponentially, and make the partnership ready to attract investments to improve the newly built solution.

Once selected, corporate-startup partnerships define – along with the accelerator’s experts – the most suitable services.

By the end of the programme, the partnership would have built a product or a service that solves a real problem and is nearly ready for commercialisation.

2025 novelty: up to €10,500 in grants for selected startups and SMEs to support proof-of-concept development and execution

In May 2025, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator unlocked up to €10,500 of grants for selected startups and SMEs:

• €7,000 for proof-of-concept development.
• Up to €2,000 to travel to the corporate’s premises to run a proof of concept experiment.
• Up to €1,500 to transport the necessary equipment to test the solution.

Startups and SMEs can check their eligibility and apply for the grant by contacting their assigned mentor at the beginning of the programme.

The example of a Peruvian TV channel partnering with a Spanish startup

Latina TV is the second-largest Peruvian channel in terms of viewership, and it is struggling to keep its programmes out of illegal streaming platforms.

This has dire consequences:

• Piracy deprives Latina TV of revenue from legitimate subscriptions and advertising.
• Revenue losses hinder Latina TV’s ability to keep investing in high-quality productions.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Smart Protection is a Spanish startup with a mission: protect brands from counterfeits, piracy, and fake websites.

Through advanced semantic search and collaboration with social media platforms (such as TikTok and Dailymotion) and search engines, the partnership aims to develop a process for promptly identifying and removing illegal content.

This will allow Latina TV to redirect viewers to its official platforms, thus improving audience engagement and revenue.

The internationalisation differentiator

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator stands out as an accelerator for international partnerships.

In other words, the purpose of the accelerator is not only to make partnerships work on a product or service that can be commercialised, but also on a product or service that can be commercialised in a new market for one of the partners.

The Internationalisation & Soft-landing strategy service delivered by the accelerator answers this need by tackling regulation and tax issues as well as cultural aspects in order to “land” smoothly in a new country:

For this reason, applying partnerships must be located in distinct regions (the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean).

By way of illustration, a Caribbean startup would only be able to apply along with a European or Latin American corporate.

In order to help corporates and startups without a partner find an innovation mate, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator has set up a matching platform.

With close to 60 corporate challenges and over 1,450 startups willing to bring their digital expertise, the matching platform has grown to become a strong marketplace where corporates and startups can get in touch and agree on a partnership before applying together to the open call.

Relevant Background

With support from the European Union (EU), under its Regional Private Sector Development Programme (III), the Caribbean Export Development Agency is initiating efforts to support the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) leads private sector development programmes across the Caribbean through the provision of innovative, targeted initiatives designed to increase Caribbean business growth, sustainability and job creation.

In recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation has emerged as a critical pillar for business resilience and growth worldwide. The pandemic underscored the importance of digital technology in maintaining business continuity, as businesses with digital capabilities were better able to pivot to online platforms, remote work, and digital sales channels. In fact, an October 2020 survey of business executives, conducted by McKinsey & Company, found that just a few months into the pandemic, there was a marked acceleration in the projection of digital technology adoption. The average share of customer interactions that became digital increased by over 20 percent in 2020 with North America seeing an accelerated adoption rate of 65 percent compared to 41 percent in the previous year. This trend was echoed with similar results in the European and Asia-Pacific regions as well (53 percent and 55 percent respectively). This same survey noted that the pandemic saw a shift in the offerings of products characterised by marked increase in the average share of products and/or services that became partially or fully digitized (55 percent in 2020 as compared to 35 percent in 2019). Again, North America led the way with 60 percent followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe with 54 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Proactive responses to the pandemic led to global changes in areas such as increased use of advanced technologies in operations and business decision-making, with an acceleration factor of 25. The survey noted that companies expected it to take well over 600 days to respond to these changes but responded in 25 days to implement the necessary changes. The area of business that saw the highest acceleration factor was around increased remote working and/or collaboration. Globally, companies expected it to take 454 days to adjust and implement changes, however, the study revealed companies took just 10.5 days, an acceleration factor of 43.

Other areas saw significant acceleration in implementing digital technology measures to adjust to pandemic such as increased migration of assets to the cloud and increased spending on data security, both of which saw an acceleration factor of 24 and 19 respectively.

Whilst globally the pandemic has shown evidence that points to an uptake in digital inclusion, adoption and overall transformation, the Caribbean has lagged behind. ECLAC’s report, Digital inclusion in Caribbean digital transformation frameworks and initiatives: A Review, concluded that digital inclusion was not yet a priority in the eleven (11) Caribbean states of interest. It also noted that few countries have digital transformation frameworks in place. In fact, the research highlights that data on digital transformation in the Caribbean is severely lacking such that the true extent of Caribbean digital transformation is unclear at best. What has been noted however, is that where digital transformation has taken place in the Caribbean, it has done so at the public administration level with some Caribbean states putting emphasis on e-government. One of its recommendations, upskilling Caribbean people in ICT, noted that training is paramount to the success of any digital transformation initiative.

With the noticeable global shift favoring digital transformation and the Caribbean’s inability to be early adopters of digital transformation tools and processes, there needs to be a concerted effort to build the knowledge capacity and implementation of digital transformation in the Caribbean private sector where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the economy. Even well before the pandemic, early digitization was touted to have significant impact on productivity and job creation in the Latin American and Caribbean region. According to Strategy&, a PwC partner, digitization was estimated to provide an additional $USD27 billion to the LAC economy and create over 600,000 new jobs in 2011. 

Caribbean SMEs face several barriers to digital transformation, including limited digital literacy, lack of access to affordable digital tools, inadequate connectivity in some regions, and difficulties in financing technology investments. Moreover, regulatory frameworks in the region have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technologies, further complicating the path to digital adoption for many businesses. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Masterclass directly addresses these challenges by providing businesses with practical skills and insights to navigate the digital landscape.

However, Caribbean Export understands that digital transformation is not a one-time process but a continuous journey. This is why the masterclass works in conjunction with other strategic initiatives, such as the Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute (CDTI) Check-Up Project. As a requirement, all participants of the masterclass must complete the CDTI Check-Up, a diagnostic tool that assesses their digital readiness and identifies key areas for improvement. This check-up ensures that businesses entering the masterclass have a clear understanding of their digital gaps and are prepared to work on specific solutions during the workshop.

Hence, the initiative aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Caribbean MSMEs, in the post-COVID digital economy. By leveraging its expertise and extensive network, Caribbean Export is committed to ensuring that the objectives are achieved, thereby fostering sustainable digital transformation across the Caribbean.

Contracting Authority

The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency (hereinafter Caribbean Export/the Agency).

Beneficiary Countries

The primary beneficiary of this this project is the private sector of Trinidad & Tobago.

Overall Objectives

The overall objective of this initiative is to empower Caribbean SMEs with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively participate in the digital transformation process, enabling them to enhance their operational efficiency, competitiveness, and achieve long-term sustainability in the global market. This initiative aims to increase the number of SMEs that successfully adopt and implement digital strategies, fostering innovation, growth, and resilience across the Caribbean region measured by an increase in their digital maturity scored using Caribbean Export’s Digital Maturity Check-Up Tool.

Specific Objectives and Scope of Work

The specific objectives of the Consultancy are:

• Assess and improve the digital maturity of participating SMEs using the Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute (CDTI) Check-Up Tool as a baseline and post-program measurement instrument.
• Deliver targeted, practical training and mentorship through the Caribbean Digital Transformation Masterclass to enhance participants’ skills in digital tools, platforms, and strategic frameworks for transformation.
• Facilitate awareness and access to cost-effective digital solutions, technologies, and service providers that support MSMEs in implementing e-commerce, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making.
• Identify and provide guidance on overcoming key barriers such as limited digital literacy, connectivity issues, and financing constraints affecting SMEs in beneficiary countries.
• Encourage a long-term approach to digital transformation through linkages with other Caribbean Export initiatives, particularly the CDTI, to ensure SMEs remain competitive and innovative in the evolving digital economy.

The scope of works for this consultancy are:

• Programme Development and Planning – Design and structure the Caribbean Digital Transformation Masterclass curriculum tailored to address MSMEs’ digital transformation challenges across multiple sectors. Integrate findings from the CDTI Digital Maturity Check-Up Tool to customize content and learning outcomes. Develop supporting resources such as toolkits, templates, case studies, and self-assessment guides.
• Programme Delivery – Facilitate and deliver the Masterclass sessions, which must include:

in-person workshops across key thematic areas including but not limited to: Cloud Tools for Business Efficiency, Digital Payments, AI and Data Analytics for Decision Making E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Digital Sales Strategies, Improved Customer Experience using Digital Tools, Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management. Develop individual digital transformation gap analysis and implantation roadmap for each participating SME.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting – Develop a databank of relevant metrics via the Collect and analyze pre- and post-intervention data using the Digital Maturity Check-Up Tool to assess the impact of the Masterclass. Report on key performance indicators, including: Number of SMEs participating and completing the programme. Improvement in digital maturity scores. Implementation rate of digital strategies post-masterclass. Deliver a comprehensive final report including recommendations for scaling and future programme iterations.

Deliverables

The consulting firm will be responsible for the delivery of the following

Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Draft Work Plan within 2 weeks of contract signing

Deliverable 2:

1. Consultant to provide a course outline and training materials for, but not limited to, the following:
   • Overview of Digital Transformation
   • Cloud Tools for Business Efficiency
   • AI and Data Analytics for Decision Making
   • E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Digital Sales Strategies & Improved Customer Experience using Digital Tools
   • Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management
2. Develop programme structure
3. Develop gap analysis methodology and template
4. Develop implementation roadmap template
5. Develop post Masterclass monitoring and evaluation framework

Deliverable 3: Execution of 5-Day Digital Masterclass Event. This entails, but is not limited to the following:

1. Execution of Masterclass sessions as guided by the course outlines from deliverable 1
2. Execution of digital transformation gap analysis for participating companies
3. Development of individual company roadmaps for digital transformation for each participating company
4. Completion of participant feedback forms.

Deliverable 4: Submission of Post-Masterclass Analysis Report to include, but not limited to the following:

1. Breakdown of participant characteristics such as sector, revenue size, employment, current digital maturity, main digital transformation challenges, recommendations for subsequent masterclass sessions etc.
2. Presentation of analysis.

Every deliverable must be presented to and reviewed by the Caribbean Export team, and recommendations made need to be addressed to the satisfaction of the parties before payment of the deliverable.

Contract Duration

Six months, with payment based on deliverables.

Location

Trinidad & Tobago.

Submission

To apply, please download the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation:

• Technical Proposal (inclusive of a list of references for project undertaken of a similar nature)
• Financial Proposal
• Applicant Declaration Form

Applicants should submit documents to Jonathan Seecharan, Innovation and Digital Business Officer at jseecharan@carib-export.com, copied to Wayne Elliott, Manager – Technical Programmes, at welliott@carib-export.com.