Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS AND PROMOTING INNOVATION

Break Point

only depicts the story of how these individuals and teams progressed from unknowns to household names, but it also shares the backstories - the obstacles these men and women overcame in order to excel at their chosen sports. The documentary, which also examines themes of politics, race, and identity, follows different sporting genres including boxing, cricket, football, rugby, swimming, and athletics. Built to Last debuted in London at the British Film Institute on August 3, 2012. Subsequent to London, Built to Last made it’s regional debut at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival. The screening of the film was followed by a round-table discussion on the theme “Sports as a Driver of Economic Development”. London Engage, and subsequent initiatives, have provided Caribbean SMEs, BSOs and entrepreneurs with the platform needed to break into the European market. The UK-based export development and investment promotioninitiativesawrepresentation from regional priority sectors including Agro-processing, Creative Industries, Manufacturing, Professional Services and Sports Tourism. Some 75% of the participants in the London Engage activities cited an increased understanding of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA. This knowledge was gained via presentations and discussions held, as well as EPA Briefs distributed during the Study Tours, Business Forum, and Break Point. Beneficiaries were also able to establish legitimate contacts in Europe, Africa and the Caribbeanwith a range of firms includingmanufacturers,

In partnership with DFID, Caribbean Export implemented the Business Reality television series, Break Point, which sought to demonstrate the advantages of the CARIFORUM-EUEPA for regional firms and generate awareness for the Agreement in the region. The series also exposed CARIFORUM firms to opportunities for increased exports to the EU market, through distribution channels, investment, and joint ventures, as well as provided regional and international exposure for CARIFORUM firms. From a list of 60 applicants, 30 firms were shortlisted based on evaluation criteria that spoke to demand, innovation, brand strength, EPA application, speed to market, and management strength. These firms then went through Break Point preparatory sessions with coaches and mentors, where they were provided with tools to improve their presentation skills and received feedback on how to enhance their business pitches and presentations. The journey of these 30 Caribbean entrepreneurs began from their initial preparatory sessions, to their regional pitches, the subsequent selection process that followed, all the way to the 12 firms’ final pitches in London, on August 9, 2012 at Grosvenor House. The final 12 firms represented 10 CARIFORUM countries and represented a diverse range of sectors and industries, including Agro-Processing, Creative Industries, Light Manufacturing, and Professional services. The European investors and distributors in London for the finals were Peter Martin, Managing Director of International Brands; Mark Lewis, internationally acclaimed music and television producer; Alexander Amosu, global technology mogul; Jonathan Pfahl, Founder of the RockstarMentoring Group; Doug Richard, Founder of School for Start-ups; and Keynes Emeruwa, Founder of Real Angels Global Solutions. Break Point was broadcasted in 15 CARIFORUM states, and the seven countries in the wider Caribbean. Based on participant testimonials, the initiative exposed CARIFORUM firms to opportunities for increased exports to the EU market, through investment, joint ventures, or EU distribution channels, as well as prepared CARIFORUM firms to present their business ideas to potential investors and other business linkages.

Built To Last - Sport Documentary

In 2012, Caribbean Export commissioned the development of a documentary to highlight 50 years of the region’s success in sports. Dubbed as the story of the Caribbean’s emergence in global sports. The 50-minute documentary chronicles the stories of Caribbean men and women competing in a range of Olympic, Para- Olympic and non-Olympic sports. Moving away from stereotypes, the film not

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