The Self Start Fund (SSF) has begun a drive to educate and make access to their loan products easier for public sector workers who desire to start a business or increase their existing business output. Through this thrust, public sector workers will be able to use their salaries as a form of collateral when accessing loans from the SSF. Speaking...

State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, says the anticipated lifting of the United States (US) trade embargo against Cuba will dramatically expand the regional marketplace for businesses and organisations, particularly in Jamaica. “Lifting of the embargo will open the door to increased trade, investment and business opportunities for manufacturers, service providers and agribusiness, and of...

The Government is implementing three key initiatives aimed at significantly changing the way trade transactions are conducted in Jamaica. These three key initiatives are the Customs Management System – Automated Systems for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World, the Port Community System and e-Trade, that is, the Government’s online trade facilitation system. Speaking at the Jamaica Customs Agency Bi-Annual Information Exposition at...

Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (MSME) operators have been urged to take immediate steps to formalise their businesses, by Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton. Speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Mobile Business Clinic Initiative in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on January 27, the Minister said once members of the sector formalise their operations,...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton on January 27, launched the second in a series of Mobile Business Clinics, to assist small business persons. Staged by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the three-day clinic was launched at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Car Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, under the theme: ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Jamaican MSMEs’,...

The newly launched Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) model is expected to strengthen the business environment for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica. This is according to Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, who was speaking at the official launch of the SBDC model in Jamaica during a recent ceremony at the Ministry’s New Kingston...

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the Charities Appeals Tribunal has been submitted to Cabinet for approval. The tribunal, which is being established based on requirements under the Charities Act, will consider appeals from decisions of the Charities Authority. Mr. Hylton, who made the disclosure while addressing the opening of the inaugural Social Enterprise Boost Initiative (SEBI)...