Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are to benefit from the issuance of 86 bank guarantees during the upcoming financial year. This is being facilitated through the Credit Enhancement Programme with a $440-million allotment in the 2021/22 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The Credit Enhancement Programme seeks to promote productive investments in MSMEs in Jamaica by...

It is with a deep sense of sadness that I learnt of the passing of Greta Bogues – interim CEO for the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, (PSOJ). Greta was a stalwart in the private sector and a true servant of Jamaica who could be relied on to give her all in any effort with which she was tasked. Her...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has been tasked with ensuring that testing facilities that do antigen tests, PCR tests and any other approved testing are published and that these tests are appropriately priced, so that consumers have access to affordable essential medical diagnostic services. This was stated by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, during a sitting...

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is encouraging gift and craft entrepreneurs to convert natural resources into fashionable accessories. Speaking at a recent ‘JBDC Virtual Gift & Craft Biz Zone’ session, Product Development Officer at the JBDC, Donna-Gay Uter, said that items found in the everyday environment should be repurposed by Creatives. “We are encouraging persons to stop limiting your...

Business operators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to remain cognisant of the need to adapt or modify their business model in response to changing market conditions and the needs of customers. Speaking at a recently held ‘Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Virtual Biz Zone’, Country Manager at Inova Solutions Jamaica, Jermaine McDonald, said evolution is crucial in enabling businesses to remain...

Small business owners are being invited to submit applications for grant funding to boost their operations through the Flow Foundation. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Executive Director of the Foundation, Kayon Mitchell, said that the organisation is “making available grants of up to $1 million for some lucky entrepreneurs, who will be able to apply for an opportunity...

Partnership aims to boost economic activity between Jamaica and Europe The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE). The MOU aims to facilitate joint activities between the organisations to increase trade and commerce between Jamaica and the UK/Europe, and to promote European investments into Jamaica. The Memorandum...