Small Businesses and Artisans Benefit from Christmas in July Trade Show

The annual Christmas in July trade show is a major event on the Ministry of Tourism’s calendar that provides invaluable assistance to small businesses and artisans in the industry.

This trade show, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, provides the opportunity for exhibitors to display their products, to advertise their goods and to connect with local and international buyers.

There were 205 exhibitors at this year’s event.

The growth in popularity of the trade show over the years is due to the opportunity and exposure it provides for small businesses.

The two-day trade show was held at the National Arena from July 11 to 12, 2024.

It is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and its partners, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

Owner and creator of the self-titled brand, Melisa Moses Designs, who participated in the trade show for the first time this year, tells JIS News that the event is a valuable resource for her small business.

“It provides the opportunity for me to connect with persons from different companies and form relationships with persons from critical agencies like the JBDC and JAMPRO. This is important, as these connections can help my brand to grow,” she says.

The company specialises in clothing, accessories and a collection of handmade duffle, bucket bags and handbags.

Ms. Moses started the company in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a creative way to continue to promote her brand during the lockdown period.

She is seeking to take the brand beyond Jamaica’s shores.

“I am having things put in place now to start exporting. Funding is one of the biggest challenges that most entrepreneurs have, just getting the products out there. Marketing is a big challenge as well. But, so far, the name is out there to an extent, and shows like this are valuable to small business owners seeking to grow their business,” she emphasises.

For her part, Lonie’s Dress for Less owner, Margaret Lonie, makes beaded jewellery, T-shirts and cosmetic purses, and participated in the trade show for a third consecutive year.

Her creations are distributed through Things Jamaican stores at the Norman Manley International Airport and Devon House.

“The benefit of participating in the trade show is you get the exposure that you need and clients, and it helps to assert your presence in the marketplace,” she said.

Tyrell’s Craft and Gift Shop owner, Rosemarie Tyrell, is based in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, and has been in business for 17 years.

She has been participating in the trade show as an exhibitor for three years and has benefited from the significant networking opportunities that it facilitates.

The company supplies local and overseas markets.

“I have made many contacts through the trade show that has helped to grow my business. It really helps to build those relationships that are so critical to business,” she says.

“I want to step up to take my business to the next level, and the trade show will help a lot to achieve that,” Ms. Tyrell adds.

The event showcases the best of genuine Jamaican artisanal products, such as sauces, aromatics, woodcraft, jewellery, pottery, paintings and hair and skincare products.