Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
About the Programme
Applications for its Caribbean Women in Music Market Access Programme for WOMEX 2026 are currently being accepted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Strengthening women-led creative enterprises through improved market readiness, enhanced business capacity, and expanded international exposure is the aim of the programme. Enabling access to global music markets, supporting enterprise development, building professional networks, and increasing competitiveness within the Caribbean cultural and creative industries sector are its primary focuses. Through the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), a multi-donor fund established by the Caribbean Development Bank to support the development of the creative industries sector in the Caribbean, the programme is implemented. The most important international professional market for world music, WOMEX (World Music Expo), features a trade fair, conference, showcase festival, and networking events. Annually, it takes place in different locations across Europe. From October 21 to 25, 2026, the 2026 edition will be held in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Eligibility Requirements
The following criteria must be satisfied by applicants:
- A formally registered business operating in at least one of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries for no less than two years must be possessed
- At least one active music industry project at the time of application should be evidenced by businesses (in areas such as artiste management, publishing, songwriting, music technology development, and production)
- Citizens of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries are required for lead applicants
- At least five years of operational experience in music business and related activities should be possessed by applicants
- Commitment to 3–6 months of virtual capacity-building is required from applicants
Note: To women business managers, publishers, songwriters, music technology developers, or producers, this opportunity is open. Recording or performing artistes are not eligible.
Funding Details
- Total Funding Available: USD $75,000 provided by CIIF via its Improving Competitiveness of MSMEs Grant stream
- Purpose: Airfare, accommodation, all-access passes, business features in a digital catalogue, onsite networking, post-WOMEX business lead reviews, and 3 months of market entry preparation support for women-led music businesses to attend WOMEX 2026 are covered
CDB Borrowing Member Countries
The following 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) are included in CDB’s list:
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Saint Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
What the Programme Offers
The following will be received by selected participants:
- Airfare to WOMEX 2026 in Gran Canaria, Spain (October 21–25, 2026)
- Accommodation during the event
- All-access passes to WOMEX
- Business features in a digital catalogue
- Onsite networking opportunities
- Post-WOMEX business lead reviews
- 3 months of market entry preparation support (virtual capacity-building)
How to Apply
Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Link: Click here to apply
For More Information: Visit the Official Caribbean Development Bank CIIF Page
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