Eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Belize, Dominica and Jamaica will travel to Canada this week as part of a targeted trade mission organised by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) under the Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade for Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs (GRIT) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Taking place from October 26 to November 4, 2026, the mission will bring together Indigenous women-led businesses spanning beauty, botanicals and personal care; sustainable agriculture and agro-processing; and artisan goods, fashion and cultural tourism. Through targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings, market exploration, knowledge exchanges and networking opportunities in Winnipeg and Toronto, participants will gain insights into Canadian market requirements, explore trade opportunities and establish connections to support their export ambitions.
The mission also creates opportunities for Canadian businesses, buyers and Indigenous business networks to connect with innovative Caribbean entrepreneurs, discover new products and services, and explore partnerships that can strengthen trade, investment and knowledge exchange between Canada and the Caribbean.
The mission represents an important step in supporting women entrepreneurs to strengthen their export readiness and explore tangible trade opportunities, while fostering trade relations between the Caribbean and Canada.
The mission will begin in Winnipeg at the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF), where the delegation will be led by Her Excellency Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, alongside Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. Their participation in WIBF will reinforce the importance of international partnerships in advancing Indigenous women's economic empowerment and expanding access to global markets. The delegation will then travel to Toronto for a series of targeted business engagements designed to build on connections established in Winnipeg, deepen participants' understanding of the Canadian market and identify potential pathways to trade and commercial partnerships.
Reflecting on the significance of the mission, Her Excellency Brenda Wills, highlighted the importance of strengthening economic relationships between Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and Canada.
“This mission is a win-win for everyone. Caribbean indigenous women entrepreneurs are seeking customers, partners and investment. For Canadian businesses, this is an opportunity to connect with innovative business leaders, discover high-quality products and services, and build relationships that increase trade, investment and knowledge exchange between our regions. By fostering these connections, we are helping to strengthen the growing economic partnership between Canada and the Caribbean while creating opportunities for businesses and communities in both regions."
Showcasing Caribbean Enterprise and Indigenous Innovation
The eight participating entrepreneurs represent a diverse range of businesses, many of which draw on indigenous knowledge, natural resources and cultural heritage to create distinctive products and services for international markets.
The participating entrepreneurs are:
·Belize: Indira Andrewin – COCOLOVE; Desiree Arnold – MayaBags (Belize Crafts Ltd); Kelsey Codd – Grace Skincare By Kelsey; Avelina Coc – Indian Creek Mayan Arts Women's Group; and Abidas Ash – Columbia River Source Farm.
Dominica: Amanda Theodore-Langlais – Pümui Products.
·Jamaica: Sherika Anderson – RaggaNats; and Iya Nicola Shirley-Phillips – Ujima Naturals Limited and Source Farm Community Development Institute.
Caribbean Voices on the Global Stage
A major highlight of the mission will be participation in the World Indigenous Business Forum 2026, taking place from 26–28 October in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The international gathering brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers and investors to exchange knowledge, develop commercial relationships and explore opportunities for Indigenous-led economic growth.
Three GRIT entrepreneurs have been selected to contribute to the Forum's programme, bringing Caribbean indigenous perspectives to international discussions on Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership and economic empowerment.
Iya Nicola Shirley-Phillips, Director of Ujima Naturals Limited and Source Farm Community Development Institute in Jamaica, will participate in the panel “The Indigenous Economy: Indigenous Women Leading Prosperity for People, Place and Future Generations.” She will share perspectives on how regenerative agriculture, community enterprise and Indigenous knowledge can create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Abidas Ash, Manager and Co-Owner of Columbia River Source Farm in Belize and Sherika Anderson, Co-Owner of RaggaNats in Jamaica, will join the panel “Dream. Build. Lead: Stories of Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship.” Drawing on her experience in conservation and sustainable agriculture, Abidas will share how traditional Q'eqchi' Maya knowledge can be combined with modern business practices to develop enterprises that support communities and protect natural resources. Sherika will bring perspectives from the beauty and personal care sector, highlighting how traditional botanical knowledge, cultural heritage and contemporary product innovation can come together to build a distinctive Jamaican brand with ambitions for international growth.
The delegation will also have an exhibition presence at the Forum, providing an opportunity to showcase Caribbean products, engage with prospective buyers and business partners and share the cultural heritage and innovation underpinning their enterprises.
In Winnipeg, participants will benefit from targeted B2B matchmaking facilitated through collaboration with Canada's Trade Commissioner Service, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. These engagements will introduce entrepreneurs to prospective commercial partners while providing insights into Canadian market expectations, distribution opportunities and potential pathways for market entry.
The delegation will also engage with Indigenous entrepreneurs and delegations from around the world through knowledge exchanges, cultural activities and networking opportunities, including those associated with the Manito Ahbee Festival.
The mission will then continue to Toronto from 1–3 November, where entrepreneurs will participate in sector-specific market visits, workshops and engagements with Canadian trade institutions, industry experts and business networks. These activities will provide practical insights into market-entry requirements, distribution channels and consumer expectations, while helping participants identify potential commercial opportunities and pathways to expand their presence in the Canadian market.
Commenting on the mission, Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, said:
"Caribbean women entrepreneurs are creating exceptional products and businesses, often drawing on generations of knowledge, innovation and a deep connection to their communities. What they need are greater opportunities to access markets, build relationships and grow beyond our borders.
Through GRIT, and with the valued support of the Government of Canada, we are helping to bridge that gap. This trade mission is about more than showcasing Caribbean products; it is about creating meaningful commercial connections that can lead to new sales, stronger businesses and sustainable economic opportunities for women and their communities."
Building Long-Term Export Success
Crucially, the support will not end when the delegation returns home. From November to July 2027, participating businesses will receive tailored technical assistance to help convert contacts into commercial opportunities, pursue potential partnerships and address market-entry requirements.
The mission aims to generate qualified business leads, establish new relationships with Canadian buyers and distributors, strengthen participants' understanding of the market and create opportunities for increased exports.
It also seeks to build lasting relationships with Canadian trade institutions, Indigenous business networks and diaspora organisations that can facilitate continued commercial engagement beyond the mission itself.
Caribbean Export is planning a follow-up GRIT trade mission to Canada in April 2027, building on the relationships, market intelligence and lessons generated through this first engagement.
Through these initiatives, Caribbean Export and Global Affairs Canada are working together to create practical pathways for Caribbean women entrepreneurs to participate more fully in international trade, strengthen their businesses and contribute to more inclusive and resilient regional economies.