Guyanese entrepreneur Ndibi Schwiers was among fifteen Caribbean women who recently completed an international training programme in the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening women-led businesses across the region.

Schwiers is the owner of Eco Solutions Inc, a furniture design and manufacturing company that utilizes natural fibers and wood.

The one-week Caribbean–UK Trade Mission, held from February 21 to 27, exposed participants to real market conditions, direct buyer feedback, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Delegates engaged UK buyers in London, Bristol and Birmingham, explored distribution pathways, and pursued boutique placement opportunities. They also visited companies to gain a better understanding of standards, certification requirements, and shelf-level expectations.

The programme was delivered under the UK government-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank. It was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK in the Caribbean).

According to organisers, the mission focused on helping women-led brands in the beauty, agrifood and wood sectors improve packaging, labelling and market compliance. The initiative is expected to enhance competitiveness and create new export opportunities for Caribbean businesses.

Reflecting on the experience, one participant noted, “This mission showed me that I need to be investing more in people than projects.”

The programme was open to women-led businesses from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.