Caribbean Export Implementation Report 2017-2020

YOUTH PROJECTS

OECS YOUTH ACCELERATOR CaribbeanExportexecutedanOECSYouthAccelerator from July 2020 in partnership with the OECS CBU. The project aimed to develop the export capacities and competitiveness of youth-owned MSMEs in the OECS. The Accelerator was implemented virtually for cost efficiency and tomitigate the impact of COVID-19 related challenges. The primary activity undertaken was a business coaching accelerator which followed the following process model: Beneficiaries' export capacity was assessed using Caribbean Export's SME Diagnostic Tool; Coaches engaged with the beneficiaries and undertook further assessment; The coaches produced action plans for each beneficiary, which took into consideration the information gathered from the application of the SME Diagnostic Tool and their independent assessments. Coaches undertook coaching and technical assistance in accordance with the action plans. Coaches developed roadmaps for each beneficiary, which may guide further capacity development beyond the life of the accelerator project. Following the coaching/technical assistance period, a second evaluation of firms will be undertaken to assess capacity development. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fourteen (14) youth-owned firms benefitted from the OECS Youth Accelerator. These firms were from the agribusiness, manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT), and sustainable energy sectors. Basedon the assessments completed, these firms received capacity development coaching and technical assistance on product and service development, management, finance, andmarketing.

A priority demographic identified within Caribbean Export’s mandate under the 11th EDF RPSDP is youth. Within this context, the Agency, in partnership with key stakeholders, has developed targeted interventions for youth beneficiaries.

CARIBBEAN WEEK OF AGRICULTURE (CWA)

In 2018, Caribbean Export facilitated the participation of nine CARIFORUM youth agro-processors at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) held in Barbados. The Agency sought to provide these youth entrepreneurs with the opportunity to network and promote their goods and services to a regional audience. Table 21 below provides the list of sponsored agro-processing firms.

TABLE 21 : CWA SPONSORED PARTICIPANTS

COMPANY

COUNTRY

Red Diamond Compost

Barbados

Naturindas Foods

Barbados

Kayaweng Women Agro-Processors

Guyana

Big G’s

Dominica

Natural Fusion Partners

Jamaica

Cacoa Sainte Lucie

Saint Lucia

Sugar Town Organics

St Kitts and Nevis

Farmer’s Farm Ltd

Trinidad and Tobago

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