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Start-Up Jamaica Nears Completion

By: , May 5, 2014

The Key Point:

The much-anticipated Start-up Jamaica initiative, is at a very advanced stage.

The Facts

  • Start-up Jamaica, which is set to get underway by September, will assist innovators and entrepreneurs to grow their ideas from product to market.
  • The Ministry will partner with the local universities and businesses to provide coaching and mentoring for entrepreneurs.

The Full Story

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson says the much-anticipated Start-up Jamaica initiative, is at a very advanced stage.

Start-up Jamaica, which is set to get underway by September, will assist innovators and entrepreneurs to grow their ideas from product to market.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of prizes to winners of the recently concluded Digital Jam 3.0 Apps Competition (Caribbean edition) at the corporate offices of the World Bank in New Kingston, the Minister said work to make the initiative a reality was moving apace and there will soon be a major announcement.

“We’ve identified physical space provided by a private sector partner. Another partner will be completely outfitting the facility and very shortly we intend to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with yet another private sector partner. We have made quite a bit of progress in ensuring that Start-up Jamaica becomes a reality,” Minister Robinson stated.

Through the initiative, the Ministry will partner with the local universities and businesses to provide coaching and mentoring for entrepreneurs in the areas of technical expertise and business and financial planning. The intent is to get ‘techie’ entrepreneurs prepared to successfully pitch their ideas and development initiatives to potential investors who will fund the projects.

The programme aims to move Jamaicans from being consumers of technology to becoming creators as well; and position the country as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Caribbean.

Additionally, Start-Up Jamaica aims to attract Jamaicans in the Diaspora, as well as those who see Jamaica as an ideal location for establishing a business venture.

Last Updated: May 5, 2014

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