How We Support You
As part of our commitment to increasing exports from Trinidad and Tobago, we focus on strengthening the export capabilities of businesses. Our goal is to help companies successfully enter and compete in international markets.
Our export capacity-building initiatives include:
- Comprehensive exporter training programmes
- Comprehensive exporter training programmes
- International standards certification programmes
- Market entry support for export-related expenses
Key standards include:
Good Manufacturing
Practices
(GMP)
Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points
(HACCP)
ISO 9001
International Standard
Recording Codes
(ISRC)
Programme Financing for Services
Music
Live Music District (LMD)
Live Music District (LMD) supports eligible event producers, managers, and promoters in Trinidad and Tobago by offering per-performer subsidies to help deliver high-quality live music events that strengthen and grow the local music ecosystem.
Music Business Development Grant
Our Business Development Grants are designed to support your professional advancement in the music industry in key export markets. Whether it’s funding to attend industry events, showcase your music, expand your network, or accelerate your career growth, this grant provides the resources you need to succeed. Invest in your future and take your music career to the next level.
Film
Film Export Fund formerly the Content Creation and Marketing Fund, is designed to support export-ready digital screen-based products—including films, series, and other audiovisual content—with the goal of entering and thriving in international markets. This fund provides critical assistance to projects that have demonstrated creative, technical, or market potential to reach global audiences. Support may come in the form of post-production assistance, marketing, subtitling, festival packaging, or distribution support—whatever is necessary to get high-potential local content across borders and onto global platforms.
Film Festival Support – Film Festival Support provides funding to local film festivals to expand screenings, boost distribution, and increase international exposure for local filmmakers and their work.
Capacity Development Programmes
Export Development Training
We offer a range of workshops designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade. These include:
- Trade Show and Mission Preparation
- Negotiating Across Cultures
- Negotiating Across CulturesFinance Sourcing: Preparing your Business for Investment.
Capacity Building Programmes – Creative companies have their own programmes: A hands-on programme designed to fast-track export success by providing expert guidance, mentorship, and market intelligence.
In the creative sector, capacity development programs were designed to nurture talent, build industry skills, and foster business growth within the music, film and fashion industries. Some of these programmes serve to build capacity and facilitate export activities.
Capacity Development Programmes
Music
Spotlight
Spotlight is a talent incubator that equips emerging artists and instrumentalists with the skills, industry insight, and networking needed to compete globally, culminating in a professionally curated compilation album.
RVRB eXperience
RVRB eXperience (RVRB X) is a 3-day music conference connecting Caribbean and global industry professionals through insights, networking, and showcases to drive innovation and growth in the music sector.
RVRB Webinars
RVRB Webinars is a webinar series. Each hour-long episode of RVRB is hosted by an industry expert to build the professional capacity of operators in the music industry.
TTISRC
TT-ISRC is an educational campaign that raises awareness of International Standard Recording Codes in Trinidad and Tobago, guiding music stakeholders on their importance, benefits, and registration in collaboration with COTT.
Film
Our Film
Focused training and development offerings are crafted to elevate the creative and business acumen of industry professionals.
Business of Film: Script to Screen
A flagship incubator programme supporting screenwriters, directors, and producers from concept to final cut. Participants refine their storytelling, production, and marketing strategies, with content developed specifically for international distribution.
Export Readiness Workshops
Hands-on sessions designed to:
- Guide production companies in business structuring and tax compliance.
- Ensure eligibility for the Film Rebate Programme.
- Navigate international distribution contracts and intellectual property rights.
Lunch & Learn Webinars
Bite-sized, expert-led online sessions covering key areas such as:
- Film financing and fundraising
- Pitching to international partners
- Navigating co-productions and streaming platforms
Fashion
Value Chain Investment Programme (VCIP)
The VCIP enhances the export capacity of local fashion designers by providing strategic and targeted support tailored to their specific stage of business development. The programme is structured as a tiered system comprising four tiers, each representing a distinct phase of business growth. Designers’ progress through these tiers based on their export readiness, ensuring a systematic and sustainable approach to entering and competing in global markets.
Strategic Alliances
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Business Development Unit (BDU) of the Tobago House of Assembly and Global Trinidad and Tobago’s Tobago Office fosters collaboration, pooling resources, and creating opportunities for Tobago’s entrepreneurs and exporters in a cost-effective and profitable manner.
The Tobago Office has relocated to #10 Montessori Drive, Glen Road, Scarborough, Tobago (Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development, and Labour).
We collaborate with the BDU on public training initiatives, roadshows, overseas missions, and other export development activities. Additionally, we facilitate trade and importation matters through the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Trade Licence Unit, which provides support on Tuesdays at our Tobago Office.
Tobago Office
The Tobago Office operates as an extension of Global Trinidad and Tobago under the guidance of the Capacity Building Unit Manager and two resident Business Advisors. These Advisors facilitate activities that equip businesses with the necessary skills and strategies to enhance sales and export potential.
Export Development Initiatives
The Tobago Office conducts Export Readiness Assessments to identify gaps and challenges while providing tailored solutions through training programmes. Key areas of capacity building include:
- Business Development & Export Basics
- Marketing Strategy & Export Marketing
- Brand Management & Reputation Building
- Intellectual Property Fundamentals
- Costing, Pricing & Product Development
- Negotiation Skills & Export Market Research
- Understanding HS Codes, Brokerage, and Shipping Requirements
- Packaging, Labeling & Good Manufacturing Practices