Empowering Women through International Trade
International Women’s Day 2015
TFO Canada Celebrates Women Exporters
Women exporters play an important role in the economic development of their countries. Over the years, TFO Canada has implemented a number of programs to target women entrepreneurs, including the Ready to Export Training and Coaching Program for Indonesian businesswomen, ACCESS! For African Business Women in International Trade and Design Africa program for women artisans.
Why buy from women?
According to WEConnect, there are over 187 million women entrepreneurs worldwide who account for as much as 40% of global business. Research has shown that women are key drivers of economic growth. Investing in women yields both economic and social dividends, as women reinvest earnings into their families and communities. When searching for new sources for goods to import into Canada, consider buying from women entrepreneurs in the global trade arena.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we invite you to meet four women from the developing world who are achieving success for their business and communities through international trade:Amazon Authentics
Irene Bacchus-Holder is a woman succeeding in Guyana’s male-dominated woodworking sector. Her company, Amazon Authentics, fashions a wide range of pieces including vases, bowls and jewelry using waste wood left behind by logging companies. With the assistance of TFO Canada, Irene participated in the 2013 Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA) show in Toronto. Drawing on this experience, Irene now ships goods to customers in Canada with a view of expanding sales across the country.Shattell Chocolates
Lisi Montoya founded Shattell Chocolates five years ago in Peru. Her company produces organic chocolates using the finest cocoa beans from across the Peruvian Amazon. Looking to penetrate the North American market, Lisi reached out to TFO Canada in 2013. Through this relationship, Shattell Chocolates received a customized Canadian Market Entry Study from a team of MBA students at Concordia University. TFO Canada also supported Lisi in exhibiting at the 2014 Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL) show in Montréal. As a result of these contacts, Lisi secured a private labelling contract and distribution arrangement with one of the most important Montreal importers of gourmet foods.Irma Engelen Craft
Irma Engelen runs her business Irma Engelen Craft out of Indonesia. Her company produces unique home décor products from natural materials like mahogany seeds as well as recycled newspapers, magazines and car tires. Faced with the challenge of how to scale-up exports for international markets, Irma participated in TFO Canada’s “Ready to Export” Training and Coaching Program in 2010. Through this 2-year program, Irma developed marketing materials, export costing and a pricing strategy that would attract the attention of distributors at international trade fairs. She is now on track for expanded sales with eyes set on the Canadian market and beyond.Gone Rural
Philippa Thorne fills the roles of both owner and designer at Gone Rural. Her company harnesses the artistic spirit of women living in rural Swaziland to create innovative, high-end décor products including bowls, baskets, headscarves and jewellery. In 2007, Gone Rural was selected to participate in TFO Canada’s Design Africa program. In doing so, the company received technical support in product development, marketing and branding. Transforming indigenous grass into a global sensation, Gone Rural now works with over 750 women and has been featured in leading magazines such as Elle Decoration.To learn more about TFO Canada’s work and how we can be your sourcing partner for developing and emerging markets, visit our website at www.tfocanada.ca.