A new initiative is transforming the Caribbean business landscape. The Green Business Training Programme, led by Dawn P. Reid from Anguilla and Nuravni S. Sallons from Suriname, is equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools to integrate sustainability into their operations and thrive in a rapidly evolving green economy.
Endorsed by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC ILO), and supported by global partners including GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the programme underscores a strong commitment to sustainable business growth across the region.
The inaugural cohort brings together 20 SME owners and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors and islands, including Suriname, Anguilla, Guyana, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Participants represent industries ranging from hospitality and tourism to food processing, content creation, marketing, eco-retreats, accessories, and beauty products—each dedicated to adopt innovative green practices.
The six-week programme, which began on 29 October and runs through December, provides hands-on training designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and open doors to new markets. By equipping SMEs with practical tools for sustainability, the initiative demonstrates that the Caribbean can be a leader in green business innovation.
“This programme has been immensely rewarding, and engaging with such a diverse group of Caribbean SMEs has been truly inspiring. As environmental and climate issues continue to intensify, rethinking how we do business becomes essential. This course provides the insights needed to support that shift toward a more sustainable future. Networking is at the heart of this programme; it allows businesses to share opportunities, tackle challenges collectively, and thrive. Our goal is to train minimally 100 small & medium-sized enterprises in the Caribbean, and create a dynamic regional network that unlocks international sustainable opportunities” – Nuravni S. Sallons, Aurae Opus Foundation
The programme aligns closely with global developments in climate action, conservation, and biodiversity, including discussions from COP30 and other international initiatives. It emphasizes the importance for businesses to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrate sustainable practices into their core strategies.
“Climate change is very real to us within the region, from catastrophic hurricanes to extreme temperatures to flooding. Sustainability, therefore, must not be a foreign concept to our everyday life. We must equip SMEs within the Caribbean, with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies necessary to not only survive but to thrive and to take advantage of any opportunities that emerge while navigating climate change. This training will provide the tools and approaches that can support aspects of Green Business and that can be implemented within the Caribbean context. The intention is to build a community of Green SMEs within the Caribbean, through which ideas can be exchanged. It is about creating a network of support for Caribbean SMEs to become Green Businesses.” – Dawn P. Reid
Looking ahead, the programme aims to train 100 SMEs across the Caribbean and foster a network of sustainability-driven businesses. This network will allow participants to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and build long-term connections that support growth and innovation.
“I didn’t expect to enjoy this course as much as I am, but it has been fantastic. The sessions are interactive, engaging, and very easy to follow. I joined a bit hesitantly, but now I’m eager to learn everything about green business and become more conscious of the processes behind all of my ideas.” – Ati Creative Studio
By bridging knowledge, leadership, and collaboration, the programme positions Caribbean businesses to not only greenify their operations but also emerge as market leaders in sustainability, inspiring a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs.
