GRIT 2026 Trade Mission to Canada: An Opportunity for Women-Led Caribbean Businesses

GRIT Trade Mission to Canada 2026: Expression of Interest for Women-Led Businesses

Caribbean Export Development Agency is inviting women-led businesses from specific Caribbean countries to express their interest in the GRIT 2026 Trade Mission to Canada. This opportunity focuses on trade and market development, offering selected entrepreneurs a chance to engage with the Canadian market.

Application Closing Date: August 2, 2026

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba and Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Programme Duration: October 26 – November 5, 2026 (Trade Mission), with pre- and post-mission support.

Stipend: Support may include travel and accommodation, delegate registration, and other related costs, subject to eligibility and approval.

Minimum Qualification: Business must be majority-owned or led by a woman.

Opportunity Type: Trade Mission

About the GRIT Trade Mission to Canada 2026

The GRIT (Growing and Retaining Innovative Trade) 2026 Trade Mission to Canada is a structured programme designed to help women-led businesses from the Caribbean expand into the Canadian market. The mission includes a two-city itinerary, beginning in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and concluding in Toronto, Ontario. This initiative aims to foster trade relationships and provide market access support.

The programme is anchored by the World Indigenous Business Forum in Winnipeg, offering engagement with Indigenous businesses and the cultural economy. The Toronto leg focuses on strategic market access, connecting entrepreneurs with buyers, distributors, and relevant ecosystem partners. Participants will benefit from an accelerated “Launch to Market” training programme before the mission and six months of commercial follow-up support afterward.

About Caribbean Export Development Agency

The Caribbean Export Development Agency is a regional organization dedicated to promoting private sector development in the Caribbean. It works to enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean businesses and increase their access to international markets. The agency supports various trade and investment initiatives, including trade missions, capacity building, and market intelligence.

Available Trade Mission Opportunities

This trade mission is open to women-led businesses from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Specific profiles are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Indigenous women entrepreneurs
• Rural women entrepreneurs
• Young women entrepreneurs (35 years and under)
• Women entrepreneurs with disabilities
• Entrepreneurs who have participated in GRIT Export Readiness Workshops

What the Trade Mission Offers

Selected entrepreneurs can expect to receive significant support to facilitate their entry into the Canadian market. Benefits may include:

• Pre-mission “Launch to Market” training
• A customized Canadian market entry plan
• Support for travel and accommodation
• Delegate registration for the World Indigenous Business Forum and Manito Ahbee
• Coordinated market visits and business-to-business (B2B) meetings
• Support for selected collateral
• Mission visibility
• Six months of post-mission follow-up

Programme Duration and Location

The core trade mission will take place from October 26 to November 5, 2026. The mission has two distinct legs:

• Winnipeg, Manitoba: October 26 – November 1, 2026, focusing on the World Indigenous Business Forum and related activities.
• Toronto, Ontario: November 3 – 5, 2026, concentrating on market access and networking.

The programme also includes pre-mission training and six months of post-mission support.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the GRIT 2026 Trade Mission to Canada, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Be a women-led business from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• The business must be majority-owned or led by a woman.
• Applicants should be prepared to participate in the full mission schedule and post-mission activities.

Priority Sectors for this mission include:

• Artisan and craft goods
• Fashion and design
• Agro-processed foods and beverages
• Nutraceuticals, wellness and natural products
• Sustainable and ethical products
• Cultural and creative industries
• Eco-tourism, community tourism and cultural tourism experiences
• Digital services, including media, EdTech, FinTech and ICT-enabled solutions

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, successful participation in this trade mission would benefit from certain competencies:

• A clear understanding of your business’s export readiness.
• Willingness to engage in market development activities.
• Ability to represent your business professionally.
• Openness to learning and adapting to new market insights.
• Commitment