Caribbean Export has launched a program aimed at supporting Caribbean women in business by helping them to either start exporting or to increase their exports.
According to Caribbean Export, applications are now being accepted for the program – Women Empowered through Export or WE-Xport.
Exporting to the EU
On Wednesday, Caribbean Export, in Cooperation with the European Union announced the commencement of the program that will assist in exporting to the European Union and utilizing the benefits of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
The European Union is therefore pleased to provide financial support to Caribbean Export’s efforts to assist the growth and development of female-owned firms in the Caribbean to increase their competitiveness in the local, regional and international markets,” said EU Ambassador, Daniela Tramacere.
Executive Director at Caribbean Export, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, encouraged the regions female entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the WE-Xport program and the opportunity to grow their businesses, connect with others and make their mark in our region, “we know you have the potential to do great things with your companies and with the right mix of support we aim to provide”.
Workshops and technical assistance
WE-Xport will address women-owned businesses access to finance through the provision of workshops and technical assistance in partnership with the Barbados based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The program will have an intensive business coaching program to build the participants capacity and also increase their access to export markets and networks.
MOU signed
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Caribbean Export and UN Women as their commitment to work together in raising awareness around many of the challenges women face in conducting business.
Representative from UN Women, Alison McLean says the economic empowerment of woman is one of the mail of objectives of UN Women and they have developed the “women empowerment principles which offer practical guidance to the private sector on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and communities.”
