11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

(6) Women Empowered through Export (WE-Xport) Programme The WE-Xport programme was a strategic incubation initiative spanning twelve months, that set out to aide twenty women owned businesses across CARIFORUM to enhance their export development and competitiveness. The programme targeted critical needs under four intervention areas: access to finance, capacity building, access to markets, and advocacy. Its major components included A2F workshops, business coaching, angel investing webinars, participation in the Barbados Manufacturer’s Exhibition (BMEX), and technical assistance. The programme’s objectives aimed at fostering growth and export development among women-owned enterprises, facilitating access to finance, enhancing capacity, expanding market access, advocating for women entrepreneurs, and addressing unique challenges. Despite the withdrawal of two firms and removal of one due to low participation, 17 firms actively participated in the programme’s components. Advanced market-ready firms also attended expos and missions regionally and internationally. Feedback from participants in April 2019 highlighted successes, lessons learned, unexpected outcomes, challenges, met expectations, and recommendations for improvement. (a) Access to Finance The access to finance component included a A2F workshop, individual A2F consultations and an Angel Investing training webinar. The A2F Workshop from May 31 to June 1, 2018, in Bridgetown, Barbados was facilitated by finance consultant Mr. Donald Charles. All twenty enrolled firms in WE-Xport, alongside thirteen (13) BSO representatives from twelve (12) CARIFORUM States participated and received comprehensive training on business plan development, record-keeping, strategic planning, accessing export markets, and exploring alternative financing options. Notable financial institutions, including Scotiabank Barbados and Trident Angels Investor Network, presented at the workshop. The primary objective was to equip twenty women entrepreneurs and a minimum of ten BSOs with skills to navigate finance landscapes effectively, enabling firms to secure loans/grants and enhance their readiness for export endeavors. Following the A2F workshop, the programme provided continued A2F support to WE-Xport firms. Finance consultant Mr. Donald Charles offered consultations to women on A2F matters, aiding them in presenting financials to lending institutions. These consultations proved impactful for several women, providing invaluable insights for their development and growth. Additionally, during September to October 2018, WE-Xport firms participated in investment readiness training sessions conducted by Mrs. Sandra Glasgow from Biztactics in Jamaica. The training focused on topics such as "What is Angel Investing?" and "How to Make a Winning Pitch Presentation to Angels." Despite mixed reception, two notable success stories emerged from the Angel Investing component.

Implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP)

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