JBDC Stages Small Business Expo on May 21

In its continued bid to foster the development of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will host its sixth annual one-day small business exposition on Tuesday, May 21, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.

Dubbed ‘Taking Business to the Next Level: From Self-Employment to Entrepreneurship’, the event will feature an interesting mix of presentations and displays, geared specifically at prospective and existing entrepreneurs seeking information to assist them in start-ups, or making improvements to existing businesses.

Speaking with JIS News, Corporate Communications Manager at the JBDC, Keneshia Nooks, pointed out that this year’s staging will create avenues and channels for MSMEs to network with business development experts in various fields.

“We want to get MSMEs to a level of thinking that there is a difference in just being a business person or a hustler and being an entrepreneur. Through this expo, we want to create the opportunities that will help persons to get to that level and build their capacity to become successful in whatever area they choose,” Miss Nooks stated.

She noted that some 35 exhibitors from a variety of sectors including manufacturing, craft, banking, accounting, transport, business and technology, will be on hand to provide business support services.

There will also be several workshops and presentations exploring topics such as: ‘Inside the Entrepreneurial Mind’; ‘Developing the Entrepreneurial Mindset’; ‘Turn your Passion into a Real Business’; Building You and Your Brand’; ‘Identifying Wealth Management Strategies’; and Transitioning to the Next Level’.

Other highlights at the exposition and conference are interactive panel discussions with local and international business leaders and entrepreneurs; mini-workshops for specific support areas; financial consultations; business clinics; as well as peer-to-peer mentoring and business development support with industry experts.

Additionally, representatives from entities such as the Companies Office of Jamaica; Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO); Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ), will explain the importance of utilising their services for the sustainability of the business.

The event, which began in 2008, is keen on fulfilling specific objectives that will assist in the sustainable creation and development of MSMEs in Jamaica. Some of the main objectives are: to provide training and development opportunities for entrepreneurs and MSMEs; provide information on trending topics in the business sector; as well as to assist small business owners with the necessary skills and processes that will help them regularize their business functions.

The expo will last from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and admission is $1,000.

For more information on the JBDC Small Business Expo activities, persons may visit www.jbdc.net, email expo@jbdc.net or call 928-5161-5.

Contact: Kadian Brown