Ten Entities Win Industry Ministry’s Small Business Pitch Competition

Ten outstanding businesses have won the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) Small Business Pitch Competition.

This follows an impressive showcase at the MSME (micro, small and medium-sized enterprise) Business Roadshow’s recent stop at the JUICI Empowerment Park in Clarendon.

Out of the 20 businesses that participated in the competition, 10 were selected as winners, with the top five receiving a $400,000 cash grant each, to support their ventures.

The next five winners each received a $200,000 cash grant for the same purpose.

Additionally, all 10 winners received gift vouchers valued at $28,000, courtesy of Hi-Pro, as well as gift baskets provided by the MIIC and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

The winners will gain access to business development support through the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

Businesses that emerged as the top-five winners were Total Care Wellness, which achieved the first perfect score in the history of the competition; Smith’s Rum Cream; Gerty’s Agro-Produce; Aunt Delcie Spices; and PBAS Limited.

The additional five winners were Adult Assisted Living T/A The Doris Clifford Centre; PolyCloud Interactive; Paradise Blends; GKK Farm and Essentials; and R&A Poultry and More.

Senior Director in the Ministry’s MSME Division, Dwayne Haynes, emphasised the exceptional talent displayed in Clarendon.

“We previously thought St. Catherine had the best pitches in the series, but Clarendon businesses truly impressed our judges. This is the first time an MSME has received a perfect score in the competition,” he said.

The winners represented both the micro and small business categories, showcasing excellence across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing and fisheries, educational services, as well as professional and technical services.

The selection criteria for the $400,000 grant required businesses to be in operation for at least two years, be a registered Jamaican company, have a management team, employ up to 20 people, and generate annual sales/revenue turnover between $16,000,000 and $75,000,000.

Meanwhile, the $200,000 winners were selected based on having at least one year of operation, being a registered Jamaican company, employing five or fewer people, and generating $5,000,000 or less in annual sales/revenue.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Sancia Bennett Templer, extended her congratulations to all the winners.

“It’s been a fantastic day here at the JUICI Empowerment Park. I hope everyone leaves feeling empowered after this inspiring event,” she said.

As the MSME Business Roadshow continues, the next stop will be at St. Elizabeth Technical High School on Thursday, March 6. Entrepreneurs who wish to participate in the next pitch competition can register online at roadshow.miic.gov.jm.

This leg of the Business Roadshow was hosted in collaboration with key partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), MasterCard, Hi-Pro, ATL Automotive Group, HEART/NSTA Trust, Development Bank of Jamaica Limited, Jamalco, Pepsi Jamaica, and other stakeholders, ensuring a strong support system for Jamaican entrepreneurs.