MSMEs Urged to Capitalise on DBJ Business Recovery Programme

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are being encouraged to capitalise on the new Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) M5 Business Recovery Programme.

The programme is a special financing package designed to support businesses in recovering after major disruptions or disasters.

Under the initiative, businesses can access financing of up to $50 million at a fixed interest rate of eight per cent, with a maximum tenure of 10 years.

The programme also offers up to 80 per cent collateral support and structured repayment options to ease recovery and maintain cash flow.

In addition, it provides credit support, working capital, and financing for repairs, enabling businesses to restart operations quickly.

Addressing the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) Business Acceleration Centre (BAC) Accelerator Series on Wednesday (March 25) at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston, DBJ Relationship Executive, Kerry-Ann Pryce, said all MSMEs are eligible to access the facility.

“We recognise that Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation across the island, especially the western region. We are not ignorant of that at DBJ. We recognise that it caused significant business disruptions, revenue loss for so many persons or businesses, and significant damage to infrastructure. We stand with the SEZs (Special Economic Zones) of Jamaica. We are committed to supporting you in getting back on the road to recovery,” she said.

The Accelerator Series is designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance operations, and foster growth among SEZ stakeholders and local businesses.

The series features informative sessions on topics such as crime mitigation, data protection, and trade strategies, aimed at enhancing efficiency within the Jamaican business sector.

The initiative targets MSMEs and larger enterprises impacted by shocks, natural disasters, or major operational disruptions, providing vital support to help stabilise and restore their businesses.

Eligibility criteria include businesses with a good credit history, enterprises able to demonstrate impact from a disruption or disaster, MSMEs requiring short-term stabilisation or long-term rebuilding, and those seeking refinancing, working capital, or asset recovery.

The programme is designed to facilitate rapid recovery, with early applications helping businesses avoid credit deterioration and operational shutdowns.

It supports enterprises across Jamaica, with particular focus on heavily impacted parishes such as Trelawny, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James.

“We are inviting our SEZ stakeholders to partner with the DBJ to accelerate recovery, build resilience and position Jamaica as a competitive investment-ready hub. DBJ is not just financing recovery. We are financing resilient future ready growth for Jamaica’s productive sectors,” Ms. Pryce said.