Roseau, December 8, 2023
The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) recently hosted an “End of Programme” ceremony for Cohort 3 of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. The ceremony, held on December 5, 2023, marked the culmination of a transformative 12-week journey for 12 entrepreneurs, including three from Dominica, immersed in virtual training, mentorship, coaching, and networking sessions.
At the ceremony, DEXIA General Manager, Paula Platsko, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses through the agency. She highlighted various initiatives, including trade shows like Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl and the Health and Wellness Exposition, aimed at enhancing the product offerings of Greenpreneurs and agro-processors.
The three Dominican participants, Kervin Vidal of K Vidal Enterprises, Shelly-Ann Meade of Little Zion, and Judy Pierre of Nature’s Finest, showcased outstanding dedication. Kervin Vidal and Shelly-Ann Meade secured grants of US$10,000.00 each, recognizing their exceptional business pitches. Vidal, from K Vidal Enterprises, plans to utilize the funds to build a production space, purchase tools and equipment, fostering increased collaboration with local farmers and offering healthier agro-processed food options.
Program Officer for the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative, Laurah John, addressed the challenges faced by the OECS, emphasizing GGGI’s efforts to prioritize businesses addressing social and environmental issues. The program aims to create sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, contributing to a low-carbon resilient world.
Ms. John expressed gratitude to DEXIA, acknowledging their vital role in program success, ensuring widespread support for Greenpreneurs in Dominica. Hon. Julian Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, expressed gratitude to GGGI for supporting MSMEs in Dominica.
DEXIA takes pride in hosting Cohort 3 of the EC GGGI Greenpreneurs Program, contributing to the success of grant winners across multiple cohorts. To date, the collective grants amount to US$40,000.00, constituting 13% of the total disbursed grants.
The EC Greenpreneurs Initiative Social focuses on developing social enterprise solutions addressing sustainability and climate change. The Incubator Program targets innovative, early-stage MSMEs, fostering scalable and replicable business models. Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and supported by partners such as the OECS, national governments, BSOs, and financial institutions, the program exemplifies a sustainable model benefiting participants beyond the three-month immersion.
For more information about the EC Greenpreneurs program, visit www.gggicaribbean.com or www.facebook.com/gggicaribbean.
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