30 Entrepreneurs in St. Thomas Receive Support Through FLOW REAP Programme

Thirty entrepreneurs in St. Thomas have been given a major boost to their businesses thanks to the recently concluded FLOW REAP programme.

Through the initiative, Young Women and Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) and the FLOW Foundation provided the business owners with practical business training, pitch development, mentorship and targeted business support.

Their businesses span several crucial fields such as agriculture, food production, personal care, cleaning, creative services, retail, events, transportation, tourism and other sectors.

During a close-out and awards ceremony that also doubled as a business showcase at the Anglican Church Hall in Morant Bay on September 24, YWOP/YMOP Executive Director, Lanisia Rhoden, said that a total of 70 applications were received for the programme, before 30 persons were selected.

“The training began in early December, and we had an average attendance of about 24 entrepreneurs across the six weeks that we had the in-person training,” Ms. Rhoden said.

Overall, the training ran from December 2025 to September 2026. It covered areas such as health and wellness for entrepreneurs, business model canvassing, accounting and marketing for small businesses and pitching for funding and investment.

“The entrepreneurs later pitched their businesses, and 12 of our entrepreneurs were each awarded $100,000 to buy tools, materials and equipment to either start or to grow their businesses,” the Executive Director stated.

She added that business mentorship was also offered to the cohort, as well as special presentations from agencies such as the Company’s Office of Jamaica, which facilitated the registration of businesses not yet registered.

“Our entrepreneurs also went on a business field trip where they visited the Scientific Research Council, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s Incubator and Resource Centre, and Kingston Creative, where they were able to actually see and experience what our co-working hub looks like and to see the resources that are available to entrepreneurs outside of their parish and in Jamaica to really take their businesses to the next level,” Ms. Rhoden said.

She also revealed that through the partnership from the Flow Foundation, the organisation is executing and implementing cohorts of the same programme in the parishes of Trelawny and Hanover, “because Flow wanted to really impact the lives of entrepreneurs, especially those who were severely impacted by the hurricane”.

In his remarks, Executive Director of the FLOW Foundation, Rhys Campbell, commented on the significant improvements in the road network and economic makeup of the parish of St. Thomas.

“That’s what makes this programme so great – because the opportunities are coming to St. Thomas. The economic growth is coming to St. Thomas. If you really want to drive the innovation and the creativity, then we have to invest in the best resource that this parish has, which is its people,” Mr. Campbell said.

Guest Speaker for the event, Roger Douglas, delivered a charge to the entrepreneurs, which was followed by the presentation of certificates and awards.

Most Outstanding REAPer was awarded to Andreen King, while Robyne Brown received the award for Most Outstanding Entrepreneur. Most Innovative Business was received by Racheal Knight.

Owner and Founder of Russ Media, Shakeem Russell, thanked YWOP/YMOP and the FLOW Foundation for the opportunity, which “has positively impacted my business and my journey as an entrepreneur”.

“Running a business comes with many challenges. Like many small business owners, I face obstacles such as limited resources, finding new opportunities, building a stronger customer base, and learning how to grow my business in a sustainable way,” Mr. Russell said.

“While I was passionate about my work, I knew that I needed guidance, support, and the right opportunities to take my business to the next level. Becoming a part of the REAP programme has been a transformational experience. The programme has provided valuable knowledge, mentorship, and practical tools that have helped me better understand how to manage and expand my business,” he added.

YWOP/YMOP is a youth and community-development organisation committed to equipping young people and emerging entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Flow Foundation is the philanthropic arm of telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica, established in November 2004 to drive corporate social responsibility, digital inclusion, and community development across the island.