Beneficiary Assessment Report - Caribbean Export
BeneficiaryAssessment Report10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme2011-2016
Table of ContentsList of Acronyms4Introduction5Major Findings & Analysis7Presentation of Data9Beneficiary Highlights & Testimonials14Challenges & Recommendations28Annexes31Annex 1: List of beneficiaries participating in the 10th EDF RPSDP assessmentAnnex 2: List of countries where beneficiary’s products or services are exportedAnnex 3: List of programme activities participated in by beneficiaries
List of AcronymsBSOBusiness Support OrganisationCARIFORUMForum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific StatesDAGSDirect Assistance Grant SchemeEDFEuropean Development FundEPAEconomic Partnership AgreementEUEuropean UnionFCORsFrench Caribbean Outermost RegionsFTAFree Trade AgreementOASOrganization of American StatesOCTsOverseas Countries and Territories of the European UnionWOMEXWorld Music Expo
IntroductionDuring the period April - June 2016,the Caribbean Export Development Agency(Caribbean Export) undertook an assessmentof beneficiaries who participated in the10th European Development Fund (EDF)Regional Private Sector DevelopmentProgramme (RPSDP). The overall purposeof the mission was to assess the value of the10th EDF RPSDP as perceived by beneficiaries,and to integrate findings into futureprogramme activities. Specific objectivesof the assessment were: To evaluate the extent to which the 10thEDF RPSDP has contributed to economicgrowth - specifically increased exportsales and revenue - within 75 selectbeneficiary firms, and by extension thesectors within which they operate. To assess the benefits achieved andchallenges encountered by these firms asthey sought to export to new regional andinternational markets.The method of beneficiary selection for thisassessment was stratified random sampling.During the period 2011-2016, just over6,000 SMEs participated in a variety ofthe Caribbean Export programme-basedinterventions. Of this figure, some 250firms participated in at least three principalinterventions, namely the Direct AssistanceGrant Scheme (DAGS); an export promotionplatform, i.e. trade mission, trade fair, and atraining and certification programme.Using the stratified random sample method,the beneficiary group of 250 firms wasdivided into small groups clusters ‘strata’.A random sample of 75 firms was then takenfrom these smaller groups. The assessmentstargeted all 15 CARIFORUM States, which arebeneficiary countries of Caribbean Export, aswell as the nine priority sectors under the 10thEDF RPSDP. Triangulation was applied as themethod of data collection, and consisted ofin-depth interviews, online and telephonesurveys, site visits, direct observation, anddesk research.In short, a review of this nature wasdesigned to undertake systematic listeningto beneficiaries by giving voice to theirpriorities, concerns, and achievements. Italso presented an overview of the impact ofthe work undertaken by the Agency amongselect firms from the programme's prioritysectors.The activity was executed within budget andthe timelines anticipated, however there werechallenges related to ground transportationparticularly in larger beneficiary countries. Infuture, coordination with Caribbean Export’sfocal business support organistation (BSO)in country could help facilitate this process.Further, these types of follow-up initiativescould have even greater impact if theyare executed frequently, conducted byprogramme objective, and applied acrossa wider range of beneficiaries.This report presents the quantitative andqualitative findings of the assessment witha focus on three main areas: Major Findings& Analysis; Presentation of Data; BeneficiaryHighlights & Testimonials; and Challenges &Recommendations.5
36% of the beneficiaries responding to this assessment operatewithin the agro-processing sector31 females particpated in this assessment. Ofthis total, 90% are owners of their business, andthe remaining 10% hold a management position85% of the beneficiaries interviewed reportedan increase in sales with a cumulative total ofUS 8.1 million
Major Findings& AnalysisA review of the activities undertaken within theframework of the 10th EDF RPSDP revealed thatbeneficiaries garnered a number of achievements andlessons following participation in a range of interventions.These include initiatives facilitating access to finance; entryinto new markets; the creation of business linkages; andenhanced capacity through the delivery of training andcertification programmes. There were also noteworthyfindings related to gender roles (employment figures andemployment levels) within these firms; job creation; and theavailability of legal protection for products or services.A total of 75 firms across 15 CARIFORUM States were selectedfor the assessment, 60 from 13 CARIFORUM States respondedto the request. No responses were received from Belize, andSt. Kitts and Nevis. Of these 60 respondents, 31 were femaleand 29 were male. It is important to note that of the 31 femaleparticipants, 90% are owners of their respective business,while the remaining 10% hold a management position withinthe company.As it relates to the number of persons employed, 52%(31 firms) had a female employment rate of more than75%, while only 3% of responding firms reported thatfemales accounted for less than 25% of staff. Most of thefirms participating in the assessment operate within theagro-processing sector (36%). This was followed closely by thecreative industries (24%) and the manufacturing sector (21%).All of the responding firms currently export their products orservices regionally or internationally. Approximately 92%export within CARIFORUM, 50% to Europe, and 42% export tothe United States (See Annex 2 for full list of export markets).Even with the high levels of exports, at least 25% of firms donot currently have any form of legal protection for their goodsor services, thereby making them susceptible to various formsof infringement. Further, Corporate Registration is the mostpopular form of protection applied by firms.7
On the matter of engagement with Caribbean Export, 46%of beneficiaries made initial contact through their local BSO,namely the Manufacturer’s Association, Export PromotionAssociation or Investment Promotion Agency. However, 35%noted that they originally received direct contact from theAgency via staff members, and another 27% initiatedengagement through the Caribbean Export website.Forty-six percent (46%) of the beneficiaries participating inthe assessment first became a client of the Agency duringthe implementation of the 10th EDF RPSDP (2011-2015),indicating an increase in visibility for the Agency during thelast 5 years.Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the firms assessed benefittedfrom access to finance initiatives, namely the Direct AssistanceGrant Scheme, Call for Proposals - Food Safety, and fundingunder the In-Firm Design and Branding Project. Moreover,55% of them participated in an export promotion initiative;and 53% firms benefitted from training and certificationprogrammes (See Annex 3 for full list of interventions).In terms of programme outcomes, 85% of beneficiariesindicated that participation in Caribbean Export activitiesunder the 10th EDF RPSDP contributed to an increase insales for their firm. The combined total sales for these firmsis approximately US 8,133,500. Further, 82% were able toestablish new business contacts, primarily through tradeshow involvement, business forum attendance, and studytour participation. Approximately 2% of firms also entered newinternational markets primarily in Europe, and North America,while 33% entered new regional markets in CARIFORUM, theFCORs, OCTs, and other Caribbean territories. Another notableresult of the programme was the creation of jobs within 22% ofthe beneficiary firms. This led to a total of 55 full-time and 107part-time positions being established.Overall, beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the workbeing done by Caribbean Export, and cited their belief thatthe Agency is relevant to regional private sector development.However there was a call for more consistent and timelyinteraction with firms, particularly where in-marketpromotions are being undertaken, to ensure that theinternational destination selected for these promotions area match to the products and services offered by regionalfirms. Grant recipients also expressed the need for moretransparency, increased communication, and a more clientfriendly approach to the reimbursement process. Additionalcomments and recommendations on programme planning andexecution are available within the report.
Presentationof DataA total of 60 firms from 13 CARIFORUM States participated in the 10th EDF RPSDP BeneficiaryAssessment; this is a response rate of 80%. The full list of beneficiaries is available at Annex 1 ofthis report. The following is an overview of the key results gathered during the review.Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and TrinidadSaint Lucia10 firms& Tobago had the largest numberof beneficiaries participating in theassessment. Together they accountedSt. Vincent & theGrenadinesJamaicafor 50% of the respondents.2 firms10 firmsBarbados8 firmsTrinidad & TobagoHaiti10 firms3 firmsAntigua & Barbuda2 firmsSuriname3 firmsGrenada2 firmsGuyana2 firmsThe Bahamas3 firmsDominicanRepublic2 firmsDominica3 firmsAgro-processing36%Gender disaggregated figures indicate that 52% of thebeneficiaries were female-owned or managed firms.8 of the 9 priority sectors were represented during theassessment. Agro-processing, creative industries, andmanufacturing acounted for 81% of the overall isedTourism 7%Health &Wellness 6%ICT2%RenewableEnergy 3%ProfessionalServices 1%9
Of the total of persons employed within thebeneficiary firms, approximately 52% ofrespondents indicated that more than 75%of their staff complement was female. Theoverall rating of female employment is asfollows:25%-49%50%-75%15 firms12 firms2 firmsLess than 25%31 firmsMore than 75%All of the beneficiary firms participating in thisassessment currently export their products orservices. Regions targeted for export includeCARIFORUM, the wider Caribbean, Europe, andNorth America, among others. Approximately92% of the respondents export to otherCARIFORUM States, while 53% export to aEuropean country.75% of respondents indicated that they have some form of legalprotection for their products or services. The different typesspecified are: corporate registration, trademarks, product liabilityinsurance, intellectual property, copyrights, and ceCorporateRegistrationCopyrights
Beneficiaries shared that theirengagement with Caribbean Exportwas initiated through a number ofchannels. Approximately 46% ofrespondents gained initial contactthrough assistance from their localbusiness support organisation; 35%of beneficiaries received directcontact from the Agency which ledto the commencement of on-goingengagement; and 27% first hadinteraction with Caribbean Exportthrough the Agency's website. Othermodes of initial engagement includedreferral by a colleague/associate (25%),and traditional media (3%).Forty-six percent (46%) of respondentsalso commenced engagement withCaribbean Export during the period2011-2015 (10th EDF), while 5% ofbeneficiaries began their relationshipwith the Agency in 2001 (8th EDF).10th EDF - 46%9TH EDF - 32%7th EDF - 17%8TH EDF - 5%During the implementation of the10th EDF RPSDP, beneficiariesparticipated in a range of programmeactivities aimed at ultimatelycontributing to the gradual integrationof CARIFORUM countries into the worldeconomy and by so doing, enhanceregional economic growth and byextension alleviate poverty.Interventions were executed within siximpact zones; for this assessment focuswas placed on access to finance, exportpromotion, export development, andtraining and certification (See Annex 3).ExportPromotion55%ExportDevelopment100%Access toFinance67%10th EDFRPSDPProgrammeInterventiionsTraining &Certification53%Based on responses, 67% of firmsbenefited from access to financeinitiatives; another 55% participatedin trade fairs; 53% benefited fromtraining and certification activities;46% attended a business forum orconference; 29% participated in astudy tour; and 25% undertook atrade mission.A further analysis revealed that each ofthe 60 respondents participated in atleast three programme interventionsduring the period under review.11
A range of benefits was derived by firms,following their participation in programmeactivities. Five categories of achievementswere selected for this assessment: increasein sales, new business contacts, entered newregional markets, entered new internationalmarkets, increased staff complement.Entered NewRegionalMarkets33%Increase inStaffIncrease inSales22%33%Entered NewInternationalMarketsSecured NewBusinessContacts42%82%Eighty-two percent (82%) of the respondentsrevealed Caribbean Export’s initiativescontributed to the establishment ofnew business contacts; 42% entered newinternational markets, while 33% entered newregional markets. Another accomplishmentattained by firms was the ability to increasetheir staff complement, which was achievedby 22% of beneficiaries.Additionally, all of the respondents whoindicated an increase in sales (85% of thetotal figure), simultaneously recorded anincrease in revenue from these sales. Forthis assessment, the rate of the increaserecorded ranged from less than 25% tomore than 75%. Approximately 43% ofbeneficiaries indicated an increase of lessthan 25%, while 8% specified an increaseof more than 75%.More than75%5 firms50-75%8 firms25-49%12 firmsLess than25%26 firms
CARIFORUM-EU EPACSMECARICOM-DR FTABeneficiaries were also asked to indicatewhether they have gained an increasedunderstanding of intra-regional andinternational trade agreements as a resultof participation in the Agency's programmeinterventions; 36 firms responded ‘Yes’. Of thisfigure, 72% revealed that they had ‘gainedmore sector specific information on thebenefits of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA’, aswell as a ‘better understanding of how theagreement can work for their business’.Other areas of understanding included:CARICOM Single Market and Economy; Rulesand regulations for the movement of goods;and the CARICOM-Dominican Republic FreeTrade Agreement (FTA).EU and other international markets. The mainareas of improved knowledge are: Labelling requirements Product formulations and branding Packaging modifications Compliance with placement and disclosureof ingredients and other nutritional values Food Safety regulations and standardsApproximately 62% of beneficiaries shared thatthey gained new or increased knowledge onthe regulatory standards for exporting to theOne hundred percent (100%) of respondents indicated that they believed Caribbean Export isrelevant to regional private sector development. In particular, they lauded the Agency forbeing supportive of small businesses and women-owned enterprises. Of this total, 85% sharedthat they were satisfied with the products and services that are currently offered by the Agency.Further, 80% of beneficiaries are of the view that Caribbean Export adequately facilitates entryinto the European and other international markets.13
BeneficiaryHighlights & TestimonialsDuring the implementation of the 10thEDF RPSDP, programme beneficiariescited a number of successes followingparticipation in a number of initiaitves.Some of the achievements related tobreaking into new export markets,improving the internal processes,increasing production capacity, andbuilding capacity among staff to namea few. These and other outcomes areoutlined as follows:COP21, a sustainable innovationforum held in Paris, France in 2015,as a delegate with the Antigua andBarbuda Government. On return, she hassince been able to co-host two nationalRenewable Energy consultations, whichsaw participation from members of thelocal utility company, the national solarinstallers, women, and youth groups, inaddition to government technicians.Ruth's PlaceAntigua & BarbudaWith the innovation and transformationto solar power within the hotel, RuthSpencer saw not only an incerase in herdisposable income, but also greatervisibility through the local media, whichalso resulted in a number of schoolsvisiting the hotel to view and learn moreabout the project. Another major partof her success was engagement by theOECS Commission to participate in anumber of regional consultations andworkshops. Ruth also participated inRuth believes that her company'srenewable energy practices is openingup new opportunities for other localand regional entrepreneurs, stating,“ it is a great and exciting time as allof my efforts are tied into nationalprogrammes, with the local governmentand other regional and internationalagencies providing incredible support.Caribbean Export has been the catalystfor much of my success, because theyprovided the financial and technical pushI needed to make these innovativechanges to my approach to business”.Number of new staff hired: 2Percentage increase in sales: 55%
2012. She expressed appreciation toCaribbean Export by stating “theAgency’s support to my firm has beenpriceless. They have done a great dealwith a limited budget to assist regionalentrepreneurs, and I am proud to be apart of a regional organization that istruly focused on the growth of theprivate sector, particularly firmsowned by women”.Ridge FarmsPercentage increase in sales: 25%The BahamasThrough support from CaribbeanExport, Rionda Godet has been ableto increase her company’s production.Greater efficiency, improved qualityand the adoption of innovativeprocesses are the main benefitsderived from the firm’s engagementand relationship with the Agency.Most of these successes came via theDAGS received in 2011 and 2012, andRionda credits them as the genesis toher company’s product transformation.Medium to long-term outcomes of theprojects undertaken with the DAGSfunding included food safetycertification, market research andtesting, and the implementation ofe-commerce solutions.She further added that participation inthe European Study Tour and thesubsequent 2nd CARIFORUM-EUBusiness Forum in London served tocomplement the funding received bythe Agency, as she gained valuableinformation on how to market herproducts to a diverse EU market, andmeet the requirements for market entry.Rionda was also able to connect withbuyers and suppliers in the DominicanRepublic and Jamaica as a resultof attending the 6th CARICOM-DRBusiness Forum in Santo Domingo in10 Saints Brewery Co. LtdBarbadosGlyn Partridge participated in CaribbeanKitchen @ANUGA in 2013 and 2015,which culminated in increased sales,and expansion into new export markets.Additionally, Glyn has been able toform a joint venture with HalewoodInternational, which in turn led toincreased brand prestige and awareness.During the 2013 edition of ANUGA inGermany, he confirmed five 20ft container orders from buyers in Germany,Italy, Spain, Russia and Brazil. In 2015,Glyn continued to build on the successof previous participation, with exports toDenmark, Vietnam and Australia.15
Glyn also shared “Caribbean Exportcontributed to my success throughANUGA. The exposure received fromthis initiative and subsequent publicity isinvaluable, and for that we are incrediblygrateful”.Percentage increase in sales: 20%Caribbean Agro ProducersCorporationDominicaFifth Element DesignsBarbadosParticipation in the Study Tour to Europe,2nd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum,and Caribbean Essence @Gallery Berlin,Germany resulted in increased sales, theformation of new business contacts andentry into the EU market for Andrea Kingand her company. In relation to the StudyTour and Business Forum, she revealedthat both were excellent initiatives andprovided deeper insight into what wasrequired for creatives seeking to enterthe European market. Contact was alsoest
Grant Scheme (DAGS); an export promotion platform, i.e. trade mission, trade fair, and a training and certification programme. Using the stratified random sample method, the beneficiary group of 250 firms was divided into small groups clusters ‘strata’. A random sample of 75 firms was then taken from these smaller groups. The assessments
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