Help coming for female entrepreneurs

THE Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) will soon launch an initiative aimed at targeting female entrepreneurs trading locally or internationally and give them a greater opportunity to increase trade, market access and business competitiveness.

Termed the National SheTrades Hub, the initiative is set to come on stream in October. SheTrades is an initiative of the International Trade Center (ITC), which aims to connect three million women entrepreneurs to market by 2021.

It provides a unique platform and one stop shop for women-owned businesses to connect to a diverse range of organisations and SheTrades partner institutions which will facilitate the creation of strong networks.

Female entrepreneurs will be able to offer and source products and services; learn new skills through a wide range of free e-learning materials and participate in workshops, trade fairs and other business events.

Speaking on the upcoming launch of the initiative, Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said, “SheTrades is directly in line with the country’s National Development Strategy (2016- 2030). Goal 2 of theme IV speaks to building a business environment that is conducive to entrepreneurship.

"We know that women encounter numerous challenges in starting, growing and managing their businesses. This local hub will increase the visibility of Trinidad and Tobago’s women entrepreneurs globally and facilitate greater participation of females in trade, leading to an increase in exports by female led businesses.”

SheTrades has a presence in 25 countries and through in-country projects and national hubs, aims to improve the competitiveness of women entrepreneurs, generate new business opportunities and foster a conducive ecosystem to trade. To unlock the benefits of SheTrades, local female entrepreneurs are encouraged to:

- Register their business on the platform. Visit www.shetrades.com

- Complete the Needs Assessment Survey. This survey is intended to assist the ITC to better understand the needs of TT’s women in business to design a programme specific to the country.