Grassroots entrepreneurs are crediting the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), as the driving force behind the success of their businesses. Owner and founder of Nikki’s Spices and more, Rosemarie Johnson and founder of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell are among the nearly 400 grassroots businesses that are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive...

When Nail Technician Charma-kay Barrett began doing nails from the living room of her home in Kingston, she had no idea that in less than seven years, the operation would grow into a viable, registered, tax-compliant business with plans for growth. Her thriving small business was fueled by a grant from the Social Development Commission (SDC), which plays a vital...

The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), now trading as JANAAC Global Accreditation, is steadily emerging as a vital engine of regional development, enabling public and private entities across the Caribbean to compete in a globalised economy. As the only internationally recognised accreditation body in the English-speaking Caribbean, JANAAC is leveraging international standards to unlock market access, build confidence in...

Expo Jamaica 2025 will feature exhibits by 10 information and communications technology (ICT) providers as organisers place greater focus on the technology services sector this year. These export-ready firms, which have benefited from support through the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) Export Max programme, will be connected with relevant international buyers as they seek out new markets. Export Max is designed...

Multifaceted entrepreneur, Sadra Madonna Lindsay, celebrated for her achievements as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Garden Gold Cosmetics and other ventures, is making waves with a ground-breaking new initiative. The gospel recording artiste and author has developed a biblically-guided planner and accompanying journal, designed to help individuals organise their lives with purpose and faith. These recent additions to her portfolio...

The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) is on a mission to bolster stakeholder relations and attract more investors islandwide. To this end, Senior Director of Business Partner and Support Services, Licia Grant, told JIS News that the Authority is set to establish an office in western Jamaica during fiscal year 2025/26. “What it means is that we will have...

The MSME Business Roadshow is making waves across the country, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry experts, government officials, and other stakeholders to enhance the sector’s contribution to economic growth and development. Organised by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Roadshow initiative, launched in 2023, serves as a one-stop shop for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) to access all...

The National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) is marking one year since its legal establishment as the regulatory arm of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ). An entity under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the NCRA is charged with safeguarding consumer health and safety and promoting fairness in trade by verifying the quality of products sold within the...