SITA Export Growth Programme Take Your Next Export Step
Are you looking to start exporting? Or does your business already export and you want to enter a new market or perform better in your current one?
The SITA Export Growth Programme helps Surinamese businesses with export ambition turn their opportunities into a concrete export plan. Working alongside a certified SITA export coach, you develop an Export Marketing Strategy (EMS): a practical plan covering market selection, buyer focus, positioning, actions, and budget.
The export coach guides the process, conducts targeted research, and supports the writing of the plan. You work in co-creation — the coach brings structure, analysis, and expertise; you bring your business knowledge and ambition. As the entrepreneur, all final decisions remain yours.
Upon completion and approval of the EMS, your business may be eligible to apply for a Cost Share Grant (CSG). This can cover a portion of key export marketing costs, including trade fair participation, certification, product testing, marketing materials, samples, B2B travel, and e-commerce.
The total value of the EMS programme is USD 4,000. The programme covers 85% of this cost. Your business contributes USD 600.
Why participate?
Export growth takes more than ambition. You need insight into promising markets, potential buyers, competition, positioning, costs, and the right sequence of actions.
The SITA Export Growth Programme gives your business:
- a concrete export plan with clear choices, actions, and budget
- research into markets, customers, sales channels, and opportunities
- guidance from a certified export coach
- sharper focus on buyers, positioning, and market access
- a more professional approach toward international buyers and partners
- potential access to financial support through the Cost Share Grant after EMS approval
This helps you move beyond ad-hoc export activity and take a well-informed next step.
Who is the programme for?
The SITA Export Growth Programme is designed for Surinamese businesses with export potential. It is relevant if your business:
- has not yet exported but has clear export ambition
- already exports and wants to expand into a new international market
- is active in an export market and wants to achieve stronger results there
- has products or services that are export-ready or can be made export-ready
- has sufficient production, delivery, or operational capacity
- needs market intelligence, buyer focus, positioning support, or market access guidance
- anticipates costs such as certification, trade fair participation, samples, product testing, marketing materials, or buyer outreach
- is willing to actively participate and share business information for the EMS process
The programme is particularly relevant for businesses in agro, processed food, tourism, seafood, wood/timber, and other high-potential sectors.
How does it work?
1. EMS Registration Register your business through the EMS registration form. SITA will assess your export ambition, business profile, and export potential.
2. EMS Intake During the intake, you discuss your export goals, current business position, potential markets, capacity, and support needs. SITA focuses on:
- your exportable product or service
- your production, delivery, or operational capacity
- your knowledge of international trade
- your prior export experience
- your financial position
- your motivation and willingness to actively participate in the EMS process
The intake helps determine whether EMS is the right fit for your business at this stage and what type of support is most relevant.
3. Export Marketing Strategy Together with a certified SITA export coach, you develop your EMS. The coach conducts research, analyses opportunities, and supports the writing of the plan. You contribute actively, provide business information, and make the final decisions.
4. Possible CSG Application After your EMS is completed and approved, your business may apply for a Cost Share Grant for approved export marketing activities.
In short: EMS Registration → EMS Intake → EMS Development → Possible CSG Application
