Deadline: 07-Jun-2026
The CIIF SheTrades Caribbean WOMEX 2026 support programme is a targeted initiative designed to improve the global competitiveness of women-led businesses in the Caribbean music industry. It is implemented by the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund in collaboration with SheTrades Caribbean. The programme enables selected participants to attend the World Music Expo 2026 in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 21–25 October 2026.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme aims to strengthen women-led creative enterprises by improving market readiness, enhancing business capacity, and expanding international exposure. It focuses on enabling access to global music markets, supporting enterprise development, building professional networks, and increasing competitiveness within the Caribbean cultural and creative industries sector.
Key Support and Benefits
Selected participants receive comprehensive support to participate in the World Music Expo 2026. This includes airfare, accommodation, all-access event passes, business profiling in a digital catalogue, networking opportunities with global industry stakeholders, post-event business lead review sessions, and three months of structured market entry preparation support.
Funding Structure
The programme is supported by a total funding allocation of USD 75,000 for selected participants attending WOMEX 2026. It also forms part of a broader funding framework of USD 1,694,000 under CIIF programming. Additional components include enterprise development, data intelligence, and enabling environment support initiatives for the cultural and creative industries.
CIIF Funding Components
The broader funding framework includes three main components: Component I provides up to USD 90,000 each for six projects focused on enabling environments; Component II provides up to USD 100,000 each for three data intelligence projects; and Component III provides up to USD 50,000 each for twelve enterprise and MSME development projects.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to women business managers, publishers, songwriters, music technology developers, and music producers operating within formally registered businesses in Caribbean Development Bank borrowing member countries. Applicants must also be members of the SheTrades Caribbean Hub. Recording and performing artistes are not eligible for this opportunity.
Eligible Regions and Sectors
Applicants must operate in at least one of the 19 Caribbean Development Bank Borrowing Member Countries. Priority subsectors include audiovisual, music, fashion, festivals and carnivals, and visual arts. Eligible entities may include businesses, government agencies, universities, NGOs, chambers of commerce, business support organisations, and other institutions supporting MSME development in the creative industries.
How the Programme Works
Selected participants undergo market entry preparation and capacity building before attending WOMEX 2026. During the event, they engage in networking, business development activities, and international exposure opportunities. After the event, participants receive follow-up support through business lead review sessions and continued market access guidance.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to increase the international competitiveness of women-led music businesses in the Caribbean. It seeks to improve access to global markets, strengthen business sustainability, enhance professional networks, and build long-term growth opportunities for creative enterprises.
Common Eligibility Mistakes
Common issues include applying without SheTrades Caribbean membership, operating outside eligible Caribbean Development Bank countries, applying as an individual performer (which is not eligible), and lacking formal business registration. Incomplete documentation or unclear business roles in the music value chain can also reduce eligibility.
Application Success Tips
Strong applications clearly demonstrate business readiness, international market potential, and alignment with the Caribbean music value chain. Successful candidates show clear roles in business management, publishing, production, or music technology and provide evidence of formal registration and regional operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The CIIF SheTrades Caribbean WOMEX 2026 support programme supports women-led Caribbean music businesses through participation in the World Music Expo 2026.
- The programme is jointly implemented by Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund and SheTrades Caribbean.
- It provides up to USD 75,000 in total support for selected participants.
- Support includes travel, accommodation, networking, and market preparation services.
- Eligible applicants must be women-led music industry professionals with registered businesses.
- Applicants must be based in Caribbean Development Bank borrowing member countries.
- Recording and performing artistes are not eligible for this programme.
Conclusion
The CIIF SheTrades Caribbean WOMEX 2026 support programme is a strategic initiative designed to elevate women-led music businesses from the Caribbean onto global platforms. Through participation in the World Music Expo 2026, the programme strengthens market access, business capacity, and international networking opportunities, contributing to long-term growth in the Caribbean creative economy.
For more information, visit Caribbean Development Bank.