The Small Business Association (SBA) recently signed a 2-year agreement with The Foundation for Entrepreneurial Participation (TFEP) to promote a match-making service to enterprises in Barbados and the United Kingdom.

One of the events emanating from the MOU was the launch of the Euro-Caribbean Enterprise Partnership Service (ECEPS). 

About ECEPS

In today’s global economic climate it is vital for enterprises, more specifically,  small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to expand their horizons and develop relationships in other countries to facilitate and expand their export potential.

The ECEPS is a place where enterprises can register their request/offer for partnership at NO COST with the intention of securing a partnership with a suitable organisation in order for them to develop a productive relationship.

Once a “Partnership Match” is found the Small Business Association in Barbados and Pathway Caribbean in the UK will be on hand to offer practical support and guidance to ensure an effective and productive partnership, along with other "Partnership Support Organisations".

About TFEP

TFEP is a new not-for-profit organisation (part of The Foundation for European Initiatives) whose major objective is to develop and implement a support infrastructure in the Caribbean to assist entrepreneurs to develop, innovate and partner with other enterprises in the European Union and business support agencies in the Caribbean.

The foundation indicated that Barbados had been chosen as the pilot country for the TFEP activities in the Caribbean because of the interest in supporting small businesses by Barbados Government enterprise agencies, the UK Government and enterprise support agencies. It is expected that the venture will help achieve closer ties between small businesses in the European Union and the Caribbean.

The launch was hosted by the British High Commissioner, Mrs. Victoria Dean, at her official residence.

Interested persons can visit the website www.tfep.info for more information.