Public Sector Workers Can Access Loan from SSF

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 with JIS News, General Manager of the SSF, Sezvin Hamilton, pointed out that the drive is part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship and facilitate the growth and viability of the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.

He informed that already, the SSF has been visiting government ministries, departments and agencies to highlight and promote the product offerings.

“Public sector workers are not excluded from the business environment because they work with government, as with the right permission and declaration of their position, the government would not have a problem if they are doing business that does not interfere with their regular function,” Mr. Hamilton explained.

“The aim is to work with public sector workers to give them access to affordable loan options for the purpose of doing business and to make them aware of avenues to become entrepreneurs and complement their income,” the General Manager added.

He pointed out that SSF lends to persons who own a business, want to own a business or have viable projects.

“So, we provide financial services to businesses for all purposes, including working capital support and for the purchase of assets. Persons may be involved in agriculture, trading, services, the creative industry and manufacturing-type businesses,” Mr. Hamilton outlined.

Loans are valued up to a maximum of $750,000 at an interest rate of 23 per cent per annum.

The general requirements for applying for a loan are provision of tax registration number (TRN); valid ID; two certified passport photographs; three recent utility bills in applicant’s name; pro-forma invoice; business plan; cash flow statement; job letter and pay slip, if applicable; and completed application form.

For more details on the product offerings, persons may visit the SSF at 10a Parkington Plaza in Kingston; call 929-8441-2 or send email to: ssfkingston@cwjamaica.com.