Capacity building programme on standards and certification for Caribbean SMEs
Caribbean Export Development Agency implemented the Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP) with a strong focus on enhancing Caribbean SMEs' technical competencies for EU market entry. As part of this initiative, Globally Cool was contracted to implement a capacity-building programme on standards and certifications to enhance market entry into the EU.
This multifaceted programme supported SMEs in Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago in meeting international food safety and sustainability certification requirements. Activities spanned webinars, on-site trainings, and company audits.
Year
2025
Country
Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & TobagoType of activity
- Coaching
- Strategy Development
Activities
- Conducted two awareness-raising webinars on EU standards and certification focused on food safety, quality, packaging, labelling, and sustainability standards to build foundational knowledge among Caribbean SMEs.
- Delivered on-site training workshops in Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, engaging over 130 participants in tailored, practical sessions on EU market requirements, self-assessments, and action planning.
- Performed company audits of Tier 2 SMEs in all four countries to assess export readiness, compliance with food safety standards, and develop tailored action plans toward certification.
Results
- SMEs gained significant knowledge about EU certification processes, with over 80% of participants reporting improved understanding and readiness to act.
- Action plans and self-assessments were developed by companies for food safety and sustainability compliance.
- Two companies stood out for their near-term certification potential.
- Strong product identity and high-end positioning were noted in Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica, especially among cocoa-based product SMEs.
- Audit findings provided strategic insights to inform follow-up support and certification targeting.