The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator looks for startups with digital solutions to address leading corporate challenges

  • Over 30 corporate challenges related to Smart Production have been already submitted to the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator Matching Platform.
  • Leading Corporates are looking for Smart Solutions from startups to achieve sustainability, flexibility, automation, optimization, and effectiveness in their operations.
  • Startups from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to develop new business opportunities by joining the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator Matching Platform.

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator has officially started developing new international business partnerships with more than 30 corporate challenges submitted to the Matching Platform. From now on, startups from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean with innovative digital-based solutions are invited to address these challenges and develop new business opportunities by joining the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.

The European Union finances this Matching Platform offered by the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to corporates, startups, companies, investors and all actors involved in the EU-LAC innovation ecosystem. A consortium of 10 partners from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, led by TECNALIA Spain, are implementing this open innovation methodology with a strong commitment to bridging the digital gap and fostering partnerships to generate digital business collaborations. Once the new business partnerships are matched or established, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator will provide acceleration services until they are investment-ready.

Open innovation business partnerships are fully activated

During an initial stage of the Smart Production Call for Challenges, corporates operating in primary, manufacturing, and service sectors have submitted their challenges. Currently, through the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator platform, they are searching for innovative digital solutions from startups and SMEs based in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean that can offer sustainability, flexibility, automation, optimization and improved effectiveness in their operations.

Several renowned corporates have adopted the open innovation methodology by the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, including SACYR, InfoTrack, L’Oréal Group, Coninsa, Volkswagen Innovation Group and CAF. By sharing their challenges, these leading corporates have expressed their interest in undergoing a digital transformation to improve, renovate and/or diversify their activities. Only a few selected startups will be chosen to collaborate with these corporates and come with their digital technologies to address their challenges and thrive businesses.

Connecting with venture clients and expanding business 

Among the opportunities offered by the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to the innovative startups, it is worth highlighting the following:

  • Expand internationally by developing joint collaborations
  • Development of a customised business roadmap from highly-qualified experts
  • Receive acceleration services (valued up to 40 k€ – no equity taken)
  • Establishment of venture-client collaboration with leading corporates
  • Access to financial and investment resources
  • Get visibility through an international prestigious network

Startups Solutions: how to apply?

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is looking continuously for startups based in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to solve digital challenges for corporates willing to transition to the smart era. To be selected, the startup/SMEs with a digital-based solution must be in a region different from the corporate challenge. 

Interested startups and SMEs can contact the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator for more information, access to additional information on the webpage, or directly join the matching platform

After registering on the matching platform, they can access the challenges, connect with the corporates and submit a matching solution.

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator invites startups to match their value proposition with open challenges, to connect with venture clients, and to develop new business opportunities internationally.

Join the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator

Vacancy for the Position of Procurement Officer

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Member States, for the position of Procurement Officer.

Full details of this position may be obtained by downloading the job description below.

Applications with full curriculum vitae details including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications, summary of professional skills and or expertise, language proficiency; coordinates (including e-mail addresses) of two (2) referees (at least one of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work) and other relevant information, should be addressed to:

“Application for Position of Procurement Officer”
The Chief Executive Officer
CARICOM Development Fund
1st Floor East, SKY Mall
Haggatt Hall, St. Michael BB11063
BARBADOS

and sent by email to:
opportunity@caricomdf.org and aparris@caricomdf.org

The deadline for submission of applications is 2nd January 2024.

Call for Challenges- EU-LAC Digital Accelerator

The   EU-LAC   Digital   Accelerator   is   a  multi-sided  platform  that  connects  business opportunities from corporates to startups and innovative SMEs. Our objective is to support joint ventures (EU-LAC Partnerships) until an investment-ready stage and provide specific acceleration services to each of them.

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with a consortium of European and Latin American partners, is currently implementing the Programme funded by the European Union, and at this stage are calling corporates and large organisations to identify and submit challenges on ¨Smart Production¨ to unlock the digital potential of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Corporates established in LAC regions, with challenges in the digital sphere, seeking innovative solutions from entrepreneurs and startups can apply to our Call for Challenges on the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator platform.

TO SUBMIT YOUR CHALLENGE PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Deadline for submissions of challenges is November 30th, 2023

Our team is available to meet with you to discuss how your participation in the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator can result in the digital transformation of your business.

Please contact us at  eu-lacdigitalaccel@carib-export.com

Vacancy for the Position of Internal Auditor

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of Member States of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), for the position of Internal Auditor.

Full details of this position may be obtained by dwonloading the Vacancy Notice and the Job Description below.

Applications with full curriculum vitae details including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications, summary of professional skills and or expertise, language proficiency; coordinates (including e-mail addresses) of two (2) referees (at least one of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work) and other relevant information, should be addressed to:

“Application for the Position of Internal Auditor”
The Chief Executive Officer
CARICOM Development Fund
1st Floor East, SKY Mall
Haggatt Hall, St. Michael BB11063
BARBADOS

and sent by email to: opportunity@caricomdf.org and aparris@caricomdf.org.

The deadline for submission of applications is 30th November 2023.

Survival of the Pitchest

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, in collaboration with Draper Starter House, Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre and Invest Turks and Caicos, will host the highly anticipated Survival of the Pitchest – Caribbean Early Stage Pitch Competition – CIF2023 Edition.

Competition Details

Date & Location:
October 24, 2023, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Registration Process:
To participate, kindly:

Submit your pitch deck and a 2-minute video introducing yourself before Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

During each 2-minute pitch and 2-minute question and answer, participants will be evaluated based on:

  • Team, market validation & product.
  • Business model and founders.
  • Ability to tell your story with authenticity and passion

Prize:
USD 20,000 in cash prizes to be won!

Apply Now

Apply Now

For more information, visit Caribbean Investment Forum 2023

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) For BUYERS TO ATTEND UNESCO TRANSCULTURA BUSINESS TO BUSINESS (B2B)/ BUYER’S EVENT

Virtual
October 5th, 2023

This expression of interest (EOI) is launched in the framework of Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, a four-year Programme implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean with the support of the European Union. The overall purpose of the activity is to secure buyers, collectors and other relevant partners within the handicraft sector to attend a one-day B2B/Buyers event.

The Transcultura Programme serves to deepen cultural integration in the Caribbean and to strengthen people-to-people cooperation and exchange within the region and with the European Union.  In particular, the Entrepreneurship and Incubator component aims to strengthen capacities for the development of new cultural projects, self-employment and start-up/scale-up activities. The innovative and entrepreneurial project development supported by the Programme will improve beneficiaries’ access to new knowledge, markets, management models and sources of funding.

In this context, the entrepreneurship incubator: Export development and market opportunities in the handcraft sector is an online incubator initiative which offers innovative framework for export development and increasing market opportunities. Through this initiative, creative and scalable project ideas within the handcraft sub-sector of the Cultural and Creative Industries and in their early stages of generation, will be able to strengthen their export promotion skills, new market entry opportunities and regional network building.

For this activity, Caribbean Export will be hosting a virtual one-day B2B/ Buyer’s event on October 5th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. This platform is the perfect opportunity for handicraft buyers, collectors and other relevant stakeholders to connect with and view a variety of products offered by the current cohort of beneficiaries. Through this event the goal is to establish new links and contacts in a purely business environment, thus promoting the creation of synergies across the value chain. In addition, you will be able to learn about new trends in different commercial sectors and expand borders by accessing international markets.

Products exhibited will include:

  • Textiles
  • Woodworks
  • Pottery and Ceramics
  • Leathercrafts

Complete Expression of Interest Form

Interested persons must complete the attached Expression of Interest form and submit all required documentation to Caribbean Export. Submissions must be addressed electronically to Dario Carrington at dcarrington@carib-export.com copied to ejeffers@carib-export.com no later than 4:00 p.m. AST on September 25th, 2023.

Applications will be reviewed by Caribbean Export and the selection committee. Successful participants will be notified no later than September 29th, 2023.

Please note that submission of this form does not guarantee participation. Only fully completed application forms shall be considered and evaluated for suitability. All applications are subject to approval of acceptance by a Selection Committee and funding availability.

The information provided will be held in strict confidence and will be used to facilitate the review and selection process, arrange relevant B2B meetings and assist in our Monitoring & Evaluation activities.

Request For Proposal Travel Management Services

Relevant background
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is a trade and investment promotion agency in the Caribbean region headquartered in Barbados, with a sub-regional office in the Dominican Republic and a programmatic office in Haiti. Funded by the 15 members states of CARIFORUM and international donor partners, Caribbean Export seeks to expand the trade potential of the region by supporting private sector development, attracting foreign investment, and building the capacity of regional business support organisations. The Agency conducts innovative and focused initiatives designed to facilitate Caribbean businesses expansion into high value market nationally, regionally, and internationally. Our vision is to increase the competitiveness of regional businesses and products thus boosting export revenue and overall economic growth.

The Agency regularly organizes regional and international travel to participate in events that promote private sector development, trade and investment opportunities. To facilitate this, the Agency requires a travel management company as its dedicated travel agents. The Travel Agent will be required to provide airfare reservation and booking services for the Agency’s staff and external participants from private sector companies, inter-governmental agencies, and delegates. Interventions and participants of the Agency’s activities derived from the following destinations:

  • CARIFORUM Countries (CARICOM countries + Dominican Republic)
  • Latin America
  • USA and Canada
  • UK and Europe
  • Africa

Objectives

Caribbean Export wishes to solicit proposals for the provision of travel management services from IATA accredited travel agencies or travel management companies based in the CARIFORUM region, to facilitate its regional and international travel activities.

Required Documentation
A full Technical Proposal which details all services provided by the Travel Agent to meet the requirements outlined above, and Financial Proposal stated in United States Dollars (USD). The proposal must include the following documentation:

  1. A brief profile of the company including size, geographical location and network, areas of expertise, years in business, product range, etc.
  2. Copy of valid Business registration documents, licenses and Quality assurance certificates (if any) e.g. ISO held by your company, either for company business processes or products, or both.
  3. Copy of Valid IATA certificate and type of booking system used.
  4. List of major clients (International and Government organizations, embassies, multinational corporations/companies).

Submission

All technical and financial proposals must be addressed to Manager – Operations and must be submitted via email to: contracts@carib-export.com by 4pm on Friday 15th September 2023.

Download the full terms of reference.

Expression of Interest: Virtual E-Commerce Accelerator Programme (VEAP II)

We are delighted to announce the launch of Cohort 2 of our impactful Virtual E-Commerce Accelerator Programme (VEAP II). The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has received funding from Expertise France through the Digital Response Connecting Citizens Programme (DIRECCT), an initiative of the European Union to assist businesses and institutions in the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OEACP) respond to the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The overarching objective of VEAP is to strengthen the capabilities of CARIFORUM firms and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in adopting cutting-edge e-commerce technologies and streamlined processes. The desired outcome is to enable them to expand their market presence, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately boost export sales and profits. The official launch of this transformative programme is scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 2023.

Specifically, VEAP II will:

  • Train Caribbean firms and BSOs in E-Commerce strategy and operations
  • Increase the number of new Caribbean E-Commerce sites
  • Expand the number of Caribbean products being sold via E-Commerce
  • Expand market access and entry for Caribbean businesses and Increase export sales
  • Equip the BSOs with E-Commerce coaching skills to facilitate local E-Commerce development after the project

To achieve these objectives, participating businesses in the target countries will be equipped, through training and coaching by Master Trainers, with the requisite knowledge and resources to prepare for E-Commerce adoption or acceleration in their business strategy. Successful companies will be trained and supervised by the Master Trainers with the assistance of the BSOs through the following modules:

VEAP 2 CURRICULUM

The program is comprised as 8 Modules which include:

Module 1Ecommerce Business Strategy
Module 2Ecommerce Pricing Financial Modelling
Module 3Ecommerce Payments and Logistics Systems
Module 4Generating Leads with Target Marketing
Module 5Ecommerce Operations and Logistics
Module 6Scaling Your Ecommerce Business With Automation
Module 7Cybersecurity
Module 8Data Analysis

Once a week, companies and BSOs will be engaged in hands-on learning over a 5-month period. Those businesses who require access to an online marketplace will be provided access and support to implement lessons learnt.

How to Apply to the Programme?

Start your application to the VEAP II by filling out this form. Please fill out all fields as this will help us to better decide on your placement should you be admitted into the Programme.

You will receive notification of your acceptance via email.

We look forward to your application and serving your E-Commerce adoption needs.

Apply Now

Call for Projects Seeking Capital Investment

The Caribbean Export Development Agency invites businesses and projects that are seeking capital investment, to present projects at the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum from October 23-25, 2023, in the Bahamas.

  • Do you have a large project with national or regional reach that needs capital investment over US$1mn within any of the following sectors?
    • Agricultural Technology (AgTech)
    • Logistics and Transport
    • Information Communications Technology (ICT)
    • Renewable Energy
  • Are you a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) seeking access to financing of at least US$500,000 to implement projects that fall within any of the above-named sectors?
  • Is your business or project located within a CARIFORUM* member state?
  • Would you like support in finding investors?
  • Would you like support to develop your project to make it more attractive to investors?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, we are interested in hearing from you.

About the Caribbean Investment Forum 2023

The Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2023 is a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary platform championed by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and its partners to accelerate the closure of the Caribbean’s investment gaps and ultimately transform the region’s economy by providing jobs and opportunities for its people.

At CIF2023 attendees will explore abundant investment opportunities spanning agriculture and agribusiness to renewable energy, and digitalisation, FinTech and logistics and shipping. The Caribbean Export Development Agency together with its partners the European Union, the Government of the Bahamas and CARICOM Secretariat are working together to propel investment ventures forward and drive transformation.

CIF 2023 builds on the success of its inaugural 2022 edition in Trinidad and Tobago, which attracted over 600 delegates from 46 countries. Scheduled at Atlantis – Paradise Island, The Bahamas, from 23-25 October, CIF 2023 will be the year’s largest business gathering in the Caribbean, expecting over 1000 participants. The highly anticipated forum aims to attract investments for a greener and smarter Caribbean economy, promote the region as an investment destination, and facilitate meaningful connections between the investment community and businesses.

CIF Investment Villages

The CIF2023 Investment Villages is where investment potential is unlocked. The investment villages are a major component of CIF and will be a focus of the international communications campaign to attract investors and businesses to the event. CIF2023 will host four investment villages, each focused on one of the key sectors (AgTech, ICT, Renewable Energy and Logistics & Shipping) and provide a platform for large-scale bankable projects to be presented to the attending investment audience.

At CIF 2023, approved projects will be afforded the opportunity to present investment projects to investors at these themed investment villages that will take place on each day of the event.  CIF will have vetted investors from across the world with an active interest in developing partnerships and investing in projects in the Caribbean, providing an unprecedented opportunity for interested businesses who are seeking to raise capital investments.   

Investment projects should be bankable and have ideally completed a feasibility study.  If not, Caribbean Export will provide support via the Investment Project Preparation Facility to prepare projects ahead of the CIF2023.

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the project profile no later than Friday August 11, 2023. Kindly note that projects will be considered in the order received.

For more information about the Caribbean Investment Forum, please visit the event website at  www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com

Participation at CIF2023 is not guaranteed. For projects that are accepted to present at CIF2023, project owners will be responsible for their travel and accommodation to attend the event but will be provided with a complimentary VIP pass, valued at US$2,000, to the three (3) day event held over the period October 23- 25, 2023.

*CARIFORUM Member States are Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago.

complete the project profile

Expression of Interest: Development and Population of an e-Learning Management Platform

Request for Expressions of Interest: Consulting Services for the Development and Population of the eLearning Management Platform for the CDTI

Caribbean Export Development Agency, headquartered in Barbados has received funding from the Inter-American Development Bank to implement the Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute (CDTI) Project (RG-T3992) to support digital transformation of the Region’s private sector. Caribbean Export seeks an experienced consulting firm to design and develop a Digital Transformation Institute (DTI) – an online platform that will deliver customized courses to MSMEs to help in their digital transformation initiatives. The courses offered to each business will be part of a recommended learning path based on the digital maturity level of that business as revealed by the results of a Digital Check-up tool. The platform will therefore have an in-built function that allows a user to select the learning path consistent with their digital maturity level.

What is the Digital Check-up Tool?

The Digital Check-up is an online assessment tool developed to assist smaller companies to, quickly and independently, carry out analysis of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of their digital maturity. The tool categorises users based on their input into four digital maturity categories/levels. The prior Spanish version of the tool is used in various Latin-American countries. An English version was created for this Project.

What is a Learning Path?

A learning path will consist of a set of courses that will be offered to Caribbean MSMEs following their Digital Check-up self-assessment, and that will be customized to meet the needs of their specific stage of digital maturity. The courses will be virtual in format, self-paced (with the option of synchronous learning) and housed on the platform developed through this consultancy. The digital learning paths will clarify the knowledge being transferred /curricula for each path, how this knowledge is broken into courses, the length and level of effort for each course, the expected results (in terms of knowledge acquired) at the end of each course, and the sequence. The synchronous learning feature would be especially useful if Caribbean Export or its partner agencies have appropriate content for a given learning path that to be delivered via the platform. It is expected that by the time the platform is ready for use, there will be at least 300 potential users of the platform at various Maturity Levels. Going forward it is expected that 50 new users will complete the Digital Check-up per month and ready to use the platform.

Courses to be included on the platform are expected to come from various sources:

  1. Courses developed in-house by consultant (demonstrate that you have the capacity to develop courses in the relevant subject areas)
  2. Courses acquired from third parties. The EOI should briefly outline the approach for the acquisition of the courses to ensure long-term availability on the CDTI platform.
  • Appropriate pre-existing courses developed by participating business support organisations (BSOs). The consultant firm will be required to assess these courses for their suitability for inclusion on the platform. The ELM platform will have the capability to convert these courses in whatever format they exist originally to a format that is compatible with the platform.

Core Design Elements of the Platform to be Addressed in the EOI.

The EOI should answer to the extent possible, how the firm will satisfy the following design elements and requirements:

  • The sustainability of the platform beyond the life of the project, including continued access to third-party courses procured through licensing. Other sustainability elements include training of appropriate Caribbean Export’s staff to manage and maintain the platform; updating, evaluating, and incorporating courses;
  • Access management for multiple users: Businesses, BSO staff, Caribbean Export Staff
  • How the platform will recommend courses and learning paths to individual businesses based on the results of their Digital Check-up (automation?)
  • Recommended approaches for ensuring maximum engagement by business users, reducing attrition rates.
  • How course completion would be monitored by BSOs and Caribbean Export staff to keep track of level of enrollment, pace of progress, and attrition in the use of courses.
  • The types of reports that can be generated from the platform for the benefit of BSOs and Caribbean Export staff.
  • What is expected of the Caribbean Export team for the daily management of the platform during and after the handover period. It is expected that the consultancy will propose an appropriate learning period for management of the platform where Caribbean Export and other authorized users will learn how to manage the platform given the extent of their access and responsibilities.
  • The resources that Caribbean Export will have to provide for the hosting, management, and maintenance of the platform during the life of the project and beyond.

Interested consultants should provide information in writing demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The submission should include a brief overview of the approach to establish user needs, meet the core design requirements, including aspects that this REOI may have missed, and a basic mock-up of the platform with intuitive and easy to use and understand interface. The expression of interest should also propose an approach to develop and deliver a suite of training material and sessions for various users in the effective use of the platform.

The firm would possess and demonstrate where possible the following aggregate experiences, skills and competencies:

  • Staff with formal training in coding, ELM platform design, data analytics.
  • 5 years or more experience in designing and ideally managing ELM platforms.
  • Proven competence in course development for digital transformation.
  • Excellent communication and especially narrative skills.
  • Knowledge of User Experience Design and Interface Design.
  • Ability to work under pressure and deliver high quality results.
  • Working experience in Caribbean countries would be an asset.

The expressions of interest will be evaluated based on the qualifications and relevant experience of the consultant firm, the proposed approach to the core design elements and the mock-up of the platform. Shortlisted firms will subsequently be invited to present technical and economic proposals on the basis of a request for proposals.

For further information please contact Phillip Jackson (Advisor – Innovation and Digital Business) at email: pjackson@carib-export.com or telephone number: +1 (246) 436 0578.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the email address above by Wednesday, August, 09, 2023.

Le programme Transcultura de l’UNESCO lance un appel aux jeunes chefs d’entreprises des Caraïbes dans le domaine de l’artisanat au sein des industries culturelles et créatives

Appel à un incubateur d’entreprises : Développement des exportations et opportunités de marché dans le secteur de l’artisanat.

** Contexte et objectif **

Cet appel à candidatures est lancé dans le cadre de Transcultura : Intégrer Cuba, les Caraïbes et l’Union européenne par la culture et la créativité, un programme quadriennal mis en œuvre par le Bureau régional de l’UNESCO pour la culture en Amérique latine et dans les Caraïbes avec le soutien de l’Union européenne.

L’objectif général du programme est d’approfondir l’intégration culturelle dans les Caraïbes et de renforcer la coopération et les échanges entre les peuples au sein de la région et avec l’Union européenne.  En particulier, le volet « entrepreneuriats et incubateurs » vise à renforcer les capacités pour le développement de nouveaux projets culturels, l’emploi autonome et les activités de démarrage et d’expansion. Le développement de projets innovants et entrepreneuriaux soutenus par le programme améliorera l’accès des bénéficiaires à de nouvelles connaissances, à de nouveaux marchés, à de nouveaux modèles de gestion et à de nouvelles sources de financement.

Dans ce contexte, l’incubateur d’entreprises : développement des exportations et opportunités de marché dans le secteur de l’artisanat est une initiative d’incubateur en ligne qui offre un cadre innovant pour le développement des exportations et l’augmentation des opportunités de marché. Grâce à cette initiative, les idées de projets créatifs et évolutifs dans le sous-secteur de l’artisanat des industries culturelles et créatives, à un stade précoce de leur développement, pourront renforcer leurs compétences en matière de promotion des exportations, de nouvelles opportunités d’entrée sur le marché et de création de réseaux régionaux.

Au cours de ce programme de six semaines, d’août 2023 à début septembre 2023, les participants s’engageront dans une variété d’activités enrichissantes conçues pour améliorer les compétences entrepreneuriales pour le domaine artisanal :

1. Cours de renforcement des capacités entrepreneuriales en ligne :

Sur une période de six semaines, les participants s’inscriront à un cours en ligne complet couvrant des sujets essentiels tels que :

  • l’idéation de produits et de services,
  • stratégies de tarification et de marketing,
  • la préparation à l’exportation et l’entrée sur le marché dans de nouveaux territoires,
  • le commerce électronique,
  • la mise en réseau régionale et l’intégration au marché et
  • les techniques de présentation et de collecte de fonds.

Le cours sera dispensé en ligne entre août et début septembre 2023, pour une durée totale de dix-huit (18) heures. Les activités se dérouleront tous les jeudis, à raison de trois (3) heures par jour.

2. Mentorat individuel en ligne avec des professionnels d’avant-garde en affaires :

Les participants auront l’opportunité inestimable de recevoir des conseils personnalisés de la part de professionnels très capables. On jumèlera chaque participant à un mentor établi qui lui fournira des conseils d’expert et un soutien adaptés à ses besoins spécifiques pendant une période de deux semaines.

3. Exposition commerciale en ligne :

L’un des points forts du programme sera une exposition commerciale en ligne dynamique d’une journée. Au cours de cet évènement, les participants auront la possibilité de présenter leurs idées de produits et de services à grande échelle à un public ciblé. Les intervenants feront des présentations qui mettront en évidence la valeur et le caractère unique de leurs offres, tout en explorant les nouvelles opportunités commerciales qui pourraient découler de l’évènement. En s’engageant dans ces activités, les participants acquerront des connaissances précieuses, recevront des conseils personnalisés et auront l’occasion de présenter leurs projets d’entreprise à un public plus large, ce qui leur permettra en fin de compte d’exceller dans leurs entreprises.

L’initiative de l’incubateur est menée par l’Agence de développement des exportations des Caraïbes (CEDA), qui promeut le commerce et l’investissement dans la région des Caraïbes et soutient le secteur privé. CEDA se concentre sur l’augmentation des exportations, l’attraction des investissements et la création d’emplois afin d’atteindre les objectifs de développement durable. Créée en 1996, CEDA aide les entreprises à se développer au niveau national, régional et international en renforçant leurs capacités et leur compétitivité. CEDA donne la priorité à des domaines tels que le commerce électronique, la numérisation, l’énergie verte et la transition vers une économie verte et bleue. En outre, cette agence soutient les prestataires de services non touristiques et les industries créatives afin de promouvoir l’esprit d’entreprise et de tirer parti des opportunités.

** Qui peut postuler ? **

Pour être pris en considération pour l’incubateur d’entreprises le programme Transcultura de l’UNESCO, les candidats doivent remplir les conditions suivantes :

1. Âge : Les candidats doivent être âgé(e)s de 18 à 35 ans.

2. Portée géographique : Les candidats doivent avoir la citoyenneté et la résidence permanente de l’un des 17 pays des Caraïbes suivants, qui font partie du champ d’application géographique du programme Transcultura : Antigua-et-Barbuda, les Bahamas, la Barbade, le Belize, Cuba, la Dominique, la Grenade, le Guyana, Haïti, la Jamaïque, Montserrat, la République dominicaine, Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis, Sainte-Lucie, Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines, le Suriname et Trinité-et-Tobago.

3. Exigences professionnelles : jeunes chefs d’entreprise ayant une initiative ou un projet d’entreprise en phase de démarrage dans le domaine de l’artisanat du secteur culturel et créatif.

On sélectionnera trente-quatre (34) participants dans le cadre de cet appel. Les activités d’incubation seront réparties en groupes par langue : anglais, espagnol et français.

** Procédure de candidature **

Les candidats doivent utiliser ce formulaire de candidature en ligne pour fournir des données personnelles et des informations sur leur entreprise artisanale et/ou leur initiative/projet d’entrepreneuriat.

Au moment de la candidature, les candidats devront également fournir les documents justificatifs suivants :

  1. Un portfolio avec des preuves de travail dans le domaine de l’artisanat au sein du secteur de la culture et des industries créatives.
  2. Copie numérique de votre carte d’identité ou de votre passeport.

La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est fixée au 31 juillet 2023, à 23 h 59, heure de Paris (UTC+2).

** Processus de sélection **

  • Une fois toutes les candidatures reçues, elles seront soumises à un processus de sélection rigoureux.
  • Un comité de sélection, composé de professionnels remarquables de CEDA et de membres de l’équipe Transcultura de l’UNESCO, sélectionnera un maximum de trente-quatre (34) jeunes chefs d’entreprises des Caraïbes, sur la base de leur parcours et de leur initiative/projet d’entreprise.

On notifiera les postulants dont la proposition a été retenue au plus tard le 18 août 2023.

Veuillez noter que :

  • Seules les candidatures entièrement complétées seront prises en compte et évaluées pour leur pertinence.
  • Une fois toutes les candidatures reçues, le comité peut demander des informations supplémentaires. Il est conseillé que les postulants vérifient régulièrement leur boîte de réception, y compris les boîtes de courrier indésirable.
  • Le programme Transcultura de l’UNESCO se réserve le droit d’utiliser les informations des postulants dans le but exclusif de mettre en œuvre l’initiative et de préserver la confidentialité.

On encourage chaque jeune chef d’entreprises avide des Caraïbes dans le secteur de l’artisanat à saisir cette opportunité de croissance personnelle et professionnelle ! Pour toute question relative à cette activité, veuillez contacter Remorno Hamilton, conseiller en compétitivité et promotion des exportations, à son adresse électronique rhamilton@carib-export.com en copiant dsinanan@carib-export.com

UNESCO Transcultura convoca a jóvenes emprendedores caribeños en el campo de la artesanía dentro de las industrias culturales y creativas.

Convocatoria para una incubadora de emprendimientos: Desarrollo de las exportaciones y   oportunidades de merado en el sector de la artesanía  

**Contexto y propósito**

Esta convocatoria de solicitudes se lanza en el marco de Transcultura: Integrando a Cuba, el Caribe y la Unión Europea mediante la Cultura y la Creatividad, un Programa cuatrienal implementado por la Oficina Regional de Cultura para América Latina y el Caribe de la UNESCO, con el apoyo de la Unión Europea.

El propósito general del Programa es profundizar en la integración cultural en el Caribe y fortalecer la cooperación y el intercambio entre los pueblos de la región y con la Unión Europea.  En particular, el componente de Emprendimientos e Incubadoras tiene como objetivo fortalecer las capacidades para el desarrollo de nuevos proyectos culturales, el autoempleo y las actividades de puesta en marcha/ampliación. El desarrollo de proyectos innovadores y emprendedores apoyados por el Programa mejorará el acceso de los beneficiarios a nuevos conocimientos, mercados, modelos de gestión y fuentes de financiación.

En este contexto, la incubadora de emprendimientos: Desarrollo de las exportaciones y oportunidades de merado en el sector de la artesanía es una iniciativa de incubadora en línea que ofrece un marco innovador para el desarrollo de las exportaciones y el aumento de las oportunidades de mercado. A través de esta iniciativa, las ideas de proyectos creativos y escalables dentro del subsector de la artesanía en las Industrias Culturales y Creativas y en sus primeras etapas de generación, podrán fortalecer sus competencias para la promoción de las exportaciones, las nuevas oportunidades de entrada en el mercado y la creación de redes regionales.

Durante este programa de seis semanas, desde agosto de 2023 hasta principios de septiembre de 2023, los participantes se involucrarán en una variedad de actividades enriquecedoras diseñadas para mejorar las competencias empresariales de los Artesanos:

1. Curso de capacitación en línea sobre el emprendimiento:

Durante un período de seis semanas, los participantes se inscribirán en un curso integral en línea que abordará temas esenciales como:

  • Ideación de productos y servicios,  
  • Estrategias para la fijación de precios y la comercialización,
  • Preparación para la exportación y entrada en nuevos territorios,
  • Comercio electrónico,
  • Creación de redes regionales e integración en el mercado,
  • así como Técnicas de venta y recaudación de fondos.

El curso se impartirá en línea entre agosto y principios de septiembre de 2023, con una duración total de dieciocho (18) horas. Las actividades se impartirán todos los jueves, tres (3) horas cada día.

2. Asesoramiento personalizado en línea con expertos profesionales del mundo empresarial:

Los participantes tendrán la inestimable oportunidad de recibir la orientación personalizada de profesionales empresariales experimentados. A cada participante se le asignará un mentor especializado, que le proporcionará un asesoramiento experto y un apoyo centrado en sus necesidades específicas durante un periodo de dos semanas.

3. Online Trade Show Event:

Un aspecto destacado del programa será una dinámica expo comercial en línea de un día de duración. Durante este evento, los participantes dispondrán de una plataforma para mostrar sus nuevas ideas de productos y servicios a un público destinatario. Harán presentaciones que destaquen el valor y la singularidad de sus ofertas, al tiempo que explorarán las nuevas oportunidades de negocio que puedan surgir a partir del evento. Al participar en estas actividades, los participantes adquirirán valiosos conocimientos, recibirán orientación personalizada y tendrán la oportunidad de mostrar sus iniciativas emprendedoras a un público más amplio, lo que, a la larga, les permitirá sobresalir en sus proyectos empresariales.

La iniciativa de la incubadora está dirigida por la Agencia de Desarrollo de las Exportaciones del Caribe (CEDA, según sus siglas en inglés). La Agencia promueve el comercio y la inversión en la región del Caribe y apoya al sector privado. Se centra en aumentar las exportaciones, atraer inversiones y crear empleo para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. Creada en 1996, Exportaciones del Caribe ayuda a las empresas a expandirse a escala nacional, regional e internacional mejorando su capacidad y competitividad. La Agencia prioriza esferas como el comercio electrónico, la digitalización, la energía verde y la transición a una economía verde y azul. Además, apoya a los proveedores de servicios no turísticos y a las industrias creativas a fin de promover el espíritu emprendedor y aprovechar las oportunidades.

**Quién puede presentar su solicitud**

Para ser tenidos en cuenta para la incubadora de emprendimientos de UNESCO Transcultura, los solicitantes deben cumplir los siguientes requisitos:

1. Edad: Los solicitantes deben tener entre 18 y 35 años.

2.Alcance geográfico: Los solicitantes deben ser ciudadanos y residentes permanentes de cualquiera de los siguientes 17 países del Caribe dentro del alcance geográfico del Programa Transcultura: Antigua y Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belice, Cuba, Dominica, Granada, Guyana, Haití, Jamaica, Montserrat, República Dominicana, Saint Kitts y Nevis, Santa Lucía, San Vicente y las Granadinas, Suriname o Trinidad y Tobago.

3. Requisitos profesionales: jóvenes emprendedores con una iniciativa / proyecto empresarial en fase inicial dentro del ámbito artesanal del sector cultural y creativo.

De esta convocatoria se seleccionarán treinta y cuatro (34) participantes. Las actividades de incubación se dividirán en grupos por idiomas: inglés, español y francés.

**Proceso de solicitud**

Los solicitantes deben presentar su solicitud a través de este modelo de solicitud en línea

para proporcionar datos personales, e información sobre su empresa y/o iniciativa/proyecto empresarial artesanal

En el momento de presentar la solicitud, se pedirá también a los candidatos que presenten los siguientes documentos acreditativos:

  1. Portfolio con evidencia de trabajos relacionados con el ámbito artesanal dentro del sector de la cultura y las industrias creativas.
  2. Copia digital de su carné de identidad o pasaporte.

La fecha límite para presentar las solicitudes es el 31 de julio de 2023, a las 18:00 hora de París (UTC +2h)

**Proceso de selección **

  • Una vez recibidas todas las solicitudes, serán sometidas a un riguroso proceso de selección.
  • Un Comité de Selección, compuesto por profesionales experimentados de la Agencia de Desarrollo de las Exportaciones del Caribe y miembros del equipo de UNESCO Transcultura, seleccionará un máximo de treinta y cuatro (34) jóvenes emprendedores caribeños, en función de su trayectoria e iniciativa/proyecto empresarial.

Los candidatos seleccionados serán notificados a más tardar el 18 de agosto de 2023.

Sírvase tener en cuenta que:

  • Sólo se tomarán en consideración las solicitudes totalmente cumplimentadas y se evaluará su idoneidad.
  • Una vez recibidas todas las solicitudes, el Comité podría solicitar información adicional. Se invita a los solicitantes a revisar regularmente sus bandejas de entrada, incluidas las de SPAM.
  • El Programa Transcultura de la UNESCO se reserva el derecho de utilizar la información de los solicitantes con el fin exclusivo de la implementación de la iniciativa, y preservando la confidencialidad.

¡Se alienta a todos los jóvenes emprendedores caribeños apasionados del sector de la artesanía a que aprovechen esta oportunidad de desarrollo personal y profesional!

For any inquiries related to this activity, please contact Remorno Hamilton – Competitiveness and Export Promotion consultant rhamilton@carib-export.com copying dsinanan@carib-export.com.