The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is breaking new ground in its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across the region. Through the SheTrades Caribbean Hub—a joint initiative with the International Trade Centre (ITC)—CDB has unveiled an innovative partnership with Caribshopper, an e-commerce platform that connects Caribbean businesses with North American consumers. This collaboration aims to expand market access for women-led enterprises and elevate their presence in the digital economy.
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Opening New Doors to Global Markets
Caribshopper, which operates logistical hubs in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, has been a game-changer for regional businesses seeking to tap into the United States and Canadian markets. With over 650 brands and nearly 10,000 Caribbean-made products showcased on the platform, it has already established itself as a vital conduit between the Caribbean and global consumers.
Now, women entrepreneurs from CDB’s SheTrades Caribbean Hub—spanning 19 borrowing member countries—will gain access to this bustling digital marketplace. This initiative not only connects them with international buyers but also provides critical logistics and compliance support, ensuring their businesses can thrive in these new markets.
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A Platform for Resilience and Growth
“The Bank continues to explore innovative ways to build resilience and grow the private sector,” shared L. O’Reilly Lewis, Acting Director of Projects at CDB. He highlighted the SheTrades Caribbean Hub as a cornerstone of these efforts, driving market access, mentorship, and capacity-building for women-led businesses and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises).
With this partnership, members of the SheTrades Caribbean Hub will experience increased visibility and opportunities to scale their operations. Lisa Harding, Acting Head of the Private Sector Division at CDB, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative:
“We’re connecting women entrepreneurs with international consumers through a powerful digital platform. This partnership addresses logistical and financial challenges, enabling these businesses to unlock untapped markets.”
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E-Commerce as a Catalyst for Women Entrepreneurs
Caribshopper founder and CEO Kadion Preston expressed his excitement for the collaboration, underscoring the role of e-commerce in driving economic empowerment. “We are thrilled to work alongside the SheTrades Caribbean Hub to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed on the global stage. E-commerce offers unprecedented opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring that Caribbean women can fully harness the digital economy.”
Launching the Initiative
The partnership will officially launch during a virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM AST. This event will also mark the opening of applications for SheTrades Caribbean Hub members interested in joining Caribshopper.
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