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Small-Business Financing for Discussion at Caribbean MSME Conference

By: , July 13, 2017

The Key Point:

Small-business financing, policy framework to facilitate growth locally and regionally, and matters related to trade within the region are high on the agenda of the inaugural Caribbean MSME Conference slated for July 19 to 21 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego

The Facts

  • Dubbed ‘Collaboration for Caribbean Sustainability’, the conference will present opportunities for small-business associations to better serve and support economic growth, while creating a space to address areas critical to the sustainability and livelihood of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the region.
  • Trade-related topics will include the removal of impediments to trade among member States, managing the business risk for survival and sustainability, formalising businesses for increased market access and developing the human capital to increase global competitiveness.

The Full Story

Small-business financing, policy framework to facilitate growth locally and regionally, and matters related to trade within the region are high on the agenda of the inaugural Caribbean MSME Conference slated for July 19 to 21 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

Dubbed ‘Collaboration for Caribbean Sustainability’, the conference will present opportunities for small-business associations to better serve and support economic growth, while creating a space to address areas critical to the sustainability and livelihood of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the region.

Elaborating on the focus areas, President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ), Hugh Johnson, told JIS News that persons attending the conference will benefit from information on policy, trade and finance, which will be dealt with simultaneously in breakout sessions.

“Without the correct policy in place, we will not be able to do better business, so that is why we have called in the Ministers of Industry and Commerce from across the region and other key stakeholders to sit with us for three days to discuss at length, and at the end of it, to conclude on the way forward as it relates to the policy issues that will help to drive the MSME sector in the region,” Mr. Johnson said.

Trade-related topics will include the removal of impediments to trade among member States, managing the business risk for survival and sustainability, formalising businesses for increased market access and developing the human capital to increase global competitiveness.

In terms of financing, discussions will feature creating a regional venture capital fund for MSMEs, equity financing options for small businesses, attracting angel investors for start-ups, and financial implications for new businesses.

Mr. Johnson pointed out that the small-business sector, key stakeholders, policymakers and technocrats will discuss best practices and initiatives that will allow for greater collaboration with businesses in the Caribbean and regional competitiveness to increase economies of scale.

“We think it’s high time for the small players within the region to get to know each other, to come together and to forge a path for themselves, along with the regional Governments, (and) to get businesses among themselves moving,” he argued.

The SBAJ, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, will be hosting the conference, with major sponsorship from the Jamaica National Group, RJRGleaner Communications Group, Flow, Development Bank of Jamaica, Caribbean Development Bank, the Spanish Court Hotel, and Caribbean Airlines.

Last Updated: July 13, 2017

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