Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet participated as an exhibitor at the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s 2025 Annual Results Report Launch, held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, as the Agency marked 30 years of advancing private sector development across the region.
The event convened regional leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to reflect on progress and outline pathways for sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean. As an exhibitor, Elaine’s engaged key institutional stakeholders, presenting its work as a Barbados-based creative enterprise advancing women’s empowerment, youth development, and environmental education across multiple Caribbean countries.
During the evening, Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the Agency’s ongoing regional initiatives, including the Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) programme being implemented in six countries including Jamaica and Belize. He also underscored work supporting Indigenous communities as part of broader efforts to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development across the region. He shared additional insights on sustainability and climate engagement as he referenced alignment with global mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund.
Dr. Lynette Holder, Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Association of Barbados, reflected on Caribbean Export’s institutional progress, noting its transition from financial deficit in 2021 to a position of stability, underscoring strong governance and strategic direction.
Honourable Sandra Husbands Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, emphasized the importance of strengthening linkages between education and enterprise to drive long-term economic transformation.
“This was a valuable opportunity to showcase our work and connect with regional partners shaping the future of Caribbean development,” said Nikisha Toppin, Founder of Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet. “We are encouraged by the alignment with Caribbean Export’s priorities and look forward to exploring opportunities to scale our impact across the region.”
Throughout the evening, Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet connected with representatives from development agencies, including the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), as well as members of the Small Business Association and emerging entrepreneurs, further reinforcing its position as a scalable, impact-driven model within the Caribbean’s creative and social enterprise ecosystem.
Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet extends congratulations to the Caribbean Export Development Agency on its 30th anniversary and its continued commitment to building a competitive and sustainable Caribbean private sector.
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