Caribbean Entrepreneurs to Visit Canada for Trade Mission
Eight Indigenous women will visit Winnipeg and Toronto starting October 26 to build international business partnerships.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Canada
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Beginning October 26, 2026, eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Belize, Dominica, and Jamaica will travel to Canada for a trade mission. The delegation will attend the World Indigenous Business Forum in Winnipeg as part of a project funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Why it matters
This mission aims to strengthen export readiness and foster long-term economic partnerships between Caribbean businesses and the Canadian market. It provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage in networking and knowledge exchanges across various sectors.
Eight Indigenous entrepreneurs will participate in business-to-business matchmaking and sector-specific market visits throughout their time in Canada. The mission covers industries including sustainable agriculture, personal care, fashion, and cultural tourism.
The players
Caribbean Export Development Agency
This regional trade and investment promotion agency supports the development of businesses across the Caribbean.
Global Affairs Canada
This Canadian government department manages the nation's diplomatic and consular relations and international development.
Trade Commissioner Service
This federal agency helps Canadian businesses grow internationally and assists foreign companies in connecting with Canadian partners.
World Trade Centre Winnipeg
This organization connects Manitoba businesses to international trade networks through specialized consulting and research.
The details
The mission, organized by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, involves visits to Winnipeg and Toronto for workshops and meetings with industry experts. Three of the participants are scheduled to speak on panels during the World Indigenous Business Forum.
Timeline
Trade mission activities run from October 26 to November 4, 2026.
The World Indigenous Business Forum takes place from October 26-28, 2026.
Business engagements in Toronto are scheduled for November 1-3, 2026.
Technical assistance for the delegation will continue from November 2026 to July 2027.
A follow-up trade mission to Canada is planned for April 2027.
Travel Outlook
This mission follows the developmental framework established by the GRIT project to connect regional entrepreneurs with global markets. The initiative aligns with broader trends in targeted trade missions that prioritize specific economic sectors during the shoulder tourism and business season.
Business travelers planning to attend the World Indigenous Business Forum should book accommodations in Winnipeg well in advance due to the high volume of international delegates. Visitors should also note that business engagements in Toronto during early November are subject to standard local transit and professional scheduling protocols.
The takeaway
This trade mission highlights how targeted international support can bridge commercial gaps for emerging entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. Participants can utilize these networking opportunities to establish lasting institutional relationships that extend well beyond the conclusion of the forum.
What happens next
A follow-up GRIT trade mission to Canada is scheduled for April 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest travel and business developments in Canada.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Herald.
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