For the last 14 years, Girlfriends Expo (GFE) has been a consistent platform for entrepreneurs and has contributed significantly to the development of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) by creating an annual space for micro businesses to exhibit.
What is also significant is that the majority of these entrepreneurs are female.
“We have seen all around the world, but especially in Barbados, a resurgence of females in public leadership roles, and GFE’s main focus is empowering and educating in an entertaining environment.
“Approximately 85 per cent of our patrons are female, and about 75 per cent of exhibitors are female led-businesses, so we have provided an important platform for women entrepreneurs to start, grow or flourish,” outlines Kimtara Clarke, producer
of Girlfriends Expo.
The Expo takes place on February 4th and 5th, 2023 at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex from 12 noon – 8 p.m. The theme this year is Back to Africa.
The two-day event is packed with fashion shows, cooking classes, beauty demonstrations, feminars (female seminars) and lots of entertainment.
The impact of GFE on Barbados’ entrepreneurship thrust is considerable, and that is evidenced by the increase in the number of exhibitors this year.
“We usually average 30 entrepreneurs every year and post-COVID the numbers have doubled. This is great because our focus again this year is heavily on entrepreneurship.
“We have quite a few small and micro businesses partnering with each other and it is really about helping young, especially female, entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to showcase their products in front of their core audience.
“The age range is young, from 15 to 60-year-olds who have entered the entrepreneurial market.
“With all that has happened since 2020, we continue to give them ways of exposing their products in the best way possible,” Clarke said.
She added that there are some amazing products which look world class that are created by Barbadians.
“We also work closely with the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and the Barbados Trust Fund, which is working with Export
Barbados,” she said.
There are more features in this year’s event.
In addition to the exhibition floor, specialty areas include The Vision Board Party, the Neutrogena Spa Lounge for that extra special pampering, complete with wine, cocktails and finger foods, and a Feminar covering topics which include Living with Endometriosis, Tips and Tricks Ffor Your Baby, The Art of Orgasm: Squirting 101, Vision Board Party, Make-up Tips for the Busy Woman, How to Love the Skin You’re In, Condom Party with Pillow Talk, and a special session with Gaynelle Marshall titled ‘Girl, Tell
Your Story’.
There will also be music, showcases and cooking demos on the Hitz FM soundstage in the Girlfriends Foodie Village
“It’s more than an expo,” Clarke asserted. “It’s an experience that takes the form of completely transforming a location so that when you walk inside, you forget that you’re in Barbados. It’s empowering females from all ages in a fun, loving and inclusive atmosphere.” (PR)
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