The Small Business Support Unit is expanding its annual Creole exhibition for 2026, giving local entrepreneurs another opportunity to put their products in front of shoppers. The exhibition will now run across three Fridays — September 25, October 2 and October 9 — rather than a single day, according to the unit.
The expanded format combines shopping with culture and entertainment, part of a broader push to support small enterprises during the Creole season. By spreading the event over three Fridays, organisers aim to give vendors more selling days and more chances to reach customers who may not be able to attend a one-day event.
The Creole exhibition has become a fixture on the small business calendar, offering a marketplace for locally made goods, food and crafts. Vendors use the platform to test new products, build a customer base and generate revenue during a period when cultural activity draws crowds. The unit said the 2026 edition will build on that foundation with a larger footprint.
Details of the venue, opening hours and the full list of participating vendors were not immediately available. The unit is expected to release more information in the coming weeks as the dates approach. Entrepreneurs interested in taking part will likely be able to register through the Small Business Support Unit, which has traditionally managed vendor applications and logistics.
The move to three Fridays reflects a growing demand from small businesses for more market access. In Dominica, small enterprises often rely on seasonal events and festivals to reach customers, and the Creole season — anchored by Jounen Kwéyòl and Independence observances — is one of the busiest periods for local commerce. Extending the exhibition gives vendors a longer window to capitalise on that traffic.
For shoppers, the expanded schedule offers more flexibility and a wider range of goods. The event is expected to feature Creole food, fashion, art and other products, alongside entertainment that celebrates the island's kweyol heritage. The combination of shopping and culture is designed to attract both residents and visitors.
The Small Business Support Unit has not yet said whether the three Fridays will feature the same vendors or different ones each week. That decision could affect how entrepreneurs plan their stock and staffing. Vendors who participated in previous editions have said the exhibition helps them connect with customers who value locally made products.
Small business development is a priority for the Government, which has consistently highlighted the role of micro and small enterprises in job creation and economic resilience. Events like the Creole exhibition are seen as low-cost ways to give those businesses visibility without the overhead of permanent retail space.
The unit is expected to provide further updates on the 2026 exhibition, including application deadlines and any fees, as the dates draw closer. Entrepreneurs and shoppers alike will be watching for those announcements.
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