JBDC Business dialogue Nov-Dec 15

FOURTH QUARTER ISSUE – NOV-DEC 2015

14 Industry Minister Lauds the JBDC for ‘True Stories’

20 Marketing on a Small Budget

JAMAICA

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Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week

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The DBJ IGNITEs the MSME Sector

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NCB Nation Builder Awards

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$76 Million Awarded in Grant Funding

Centrespread

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Industry Minister Lauds JBDC for ‘True Stories’

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To Di Rock!

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JNSBL: Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Jamaicans

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Increase Profitability by Forming Clusters, says JBDC CEO

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Marketing a Small Business on a Small Budget

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Tax Administration Jamaica: Making It Easier to Pay

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‘FIWI PPL’ ON WIPPL.COM

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Kameela Abdul-Maajid STAFF ADVISORS: Ms. Valerie Veira, J.P. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Harold Davis Dept. Chief Executive Officer

The Spotlight: Kameela Abdul-Maajid

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Mr. Antonio Vouranis Chief Technical Advisor

Editor-In-Chief & Content Coordinator Suzette Campbell – JBDC Corporate Communications Unit Assistant Content Coordinator Sancia Campbell – JBDC Corporate Communications Unit Design & Layout Melissa Green – JBDC Visual Communications Unit Photography Colin Porter – Technical Services Unit

It was a feeling of pride and accomplishment reminiscent of a proud parent as the JBDC proudly presented the first edition of ‘True Stories’, a publication which served as an ode to the successfully completed North Coast Craft Revitalization Project (NCCRP) and the 100 artisans who participated. ‘True Stories’ is the culmination of a period of unearthing raw talent, consultation and product development to a stage where they could be presented to potential buyers as gift and souvenir items for the Christmas season. We were heartened by the positive feedback from the manufacturers, and for those who were at a loss for words, the tears spoke.

As we look ahead to 2016, we are encouraged by the buzz and the wave of appreciation of things made in Jamaica, not only from buyers, but also from the private sector. These are encouraging signs that our messages have hit home in a positive way, as we have proven repeatedly that collaboration is the way to go. The Ministry of Tourism & Entertainment announced record arrivals at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay at the start of its winter tourist season. It is our hope that these visitors will feel the awesome power of brand Jamaica and the unique experience it offers to a point where they will want to take a piece of this little rock back to their homeland.

There is a unique and personal experience which occurs when buyers meet the artists face to face to hear the ‘True Stories’ behind the final product.

These are stories that will relate fine details of the artists’ history, their experience and training, the material used to make the items and from whence their inspiration came. That personalization of the selling process is often times the key to closing many a sale. It is our fervent hope that not only will those stories impress and touch the hearts of potential buyers, but that they will in turn tell these stories so that Jamaicans may find these entrepreneurs wherever they trade and support their businesses. After all, word of mouth is still the most effective form of marketing.

We could travel the world over and find there’s no place like Jamaica. Our sons and daughters of the soil are open for business. Think Jamaican. Shop Things Jamaican.

Valerie Veira, J.P. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, JBDC

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Suzette Campbell is a multi-award winning communications practitioner with 13 years’ experience spanning Public Relations, Journalism and Marketing in both public and private sector organizations. With a highly competitive spirit and creativity, she enjoys a good challenge and prides herself on leaving an indelible mark of success in her endeavours. Using her gift of writing, she hopes to win hearts and positively impact the lives of those on whose behalf she tells stories.

Suzette is currently the Corporate Communications Manager at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation.

Sancia Campbell is a PR Practitioner in the business and hospitality sectors with over 13 years experience in marketing, publicity and communications. An excellent writer and avid lifestyle blogger, Sancia enjoys reading, project management and events planning. She is currently the PR & Events Coordinator at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

Marie Casserly is responsible for special projects in the Office of the CEO. She is a business and project development professional with 30 years of experience providing strategic and technical cooperation advice and support to multi-sector enterprises operating at varying scales and levels, with a special emphasis on design-led and innovative initiatives.

Accomplished and passionate in concept creation and development for products, collections, services, brands and events, Marie is committed to the excellence of “Brand Jamaica” and the evolution of innovative, vibrant, sustainable and globally-competitive businesses.

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BUSINESS & INNOVATION Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week

by Sancia Campbell

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in support of the national effort to stimulate growth in the economy celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week November 16 – 21 through a programme designed to further engage the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) sector to participate in the development process.

Under the theme ‘Going for GROWTH’, the JBDC’s GEW 2015 activities provided MSMEs with information and direct access to services to facilitate the formalization and growth of their businesses. It will also be an environment to network with other companies that could impact their businesses positively.

Chief Executive Officer of the JBDC, Valerie Veira noted that it was an important time for MSMEs to get the assistance required to grow their businesses. “JBDC as the government agency mandated to lead the development of MSMEs has remained consistent to its mission particularly over the past year through our Mobile Business Clinic Initiative aimed at empowering our client group to move their business through the growth process.

Through this initiative, JBDC will continue the conversation while inviting our partners, both public and private to continue to help MSMEs in the process,” she commented.

The week of activities will also include the hosting of a Business Dialogue Forum, a Thought Leadership Conference and two Business Seminars, all designed to expound on the week’s theme.

The Business Dialogue Forum opens the week on November 16 at the University of the West Indies’s Regional Centre and will feature an outstanding panel of speakers who will discuss the theme from a balanced perspective.

The Thought Leadership Conference examined the challenges which have prevented economic growth in the past and more specifically at how MSMEs can contribute to future economic growth of the country. Speakers included Dennis Chung, Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), Hon. Julian Robinson, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining and Althea West-Myers, Business Advisory Services Manager at the JBDC. Other elements of the Thought Leadership Conference included the JBDC Open House at which the findings from the National Needs Assessment Survey for MSMEs in Jamaica was presented, along with several complimentary presentations on Product Development including Branding, Packaging and Visual Communications.

The week of activities culminated with two Business Seminars.

On November 20, the JBDC hosted a Seminar at the Terra Nova All-Suites Hotel titled “Identifying Strategies for Business Expansion”. This was facilitated by Marcia Woon-Choy, Business Coach and Chief Executive Officer of ActionCOACH Jamaica.

Our main partner, Scotiabank Jamaica joined forces with the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship to present their annual business seminar on November 21 titled ‘Build a Winning Team’.

The workshop was facilitated by the company culture Wizards from Virgin Holidays (Justine Mercer – Learning & Development Specialist, Lauren D Richardson – Recruitment Advisory and Patrick Dunning – Advisor).

JAMAICA 6

Columbus - HostedPBXBlue_7.5x10in(Mag).ai

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10/27/14

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BUSINESS & INNOVATION JBDC CELEBRATES WEEK 2015

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEME: “Going for G.R.O.W.T.H.”

JAMAICA 7

BUSINESS & INNOVATION

THE DBJ IGNITEs the MSME SECTOR Contributed

The enterprise must be categorised as micro, small or medium-sized Entrepreneurs must provide a viable business model and indicate its growth potential The business has the potential to employ at least two persons within the next two years The business should be able to attract additional investment In fulfilling its mandate to facilitate economic growth and development, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has created several products (both financial and non-financial) to give support to the operators of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which are unable to access loans.

The latest of these products is called the Innovation Grant from New Ideas to Entrepreneurship (IGNITE).

The objective of this two-year pilot programme is to support the creation and growth of new innovative firms from prototype to commercialisation.

The grant funds being offered by the DBJ will be channelled through Business Service Intermediaries (BSI). The following organisations have been chosen as the BSIs to receive applications for consideration: Jamaica Business Development Corporation Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship - Caribbean Jamaica Manufacturers Association These BSIs will assist the entrepreneur to develop and present their proposals to the DBJ as well as assist in the monitoring of the objectives agreed with each beneficiary.

A grant of up to J$4.0 million (or 70% of the project cost) will be provided for implementing innovation activities to support the creation and growth new firms. These grants will be channelled through entities called Business Service Intermediaries (BSIs) after a transparent and competitive selection process, which includes evaluation of applications and interviews (pitching). It is expected that a total of 30 MSMEs will be selected.

Ventures The types of ventures will include: Software and IT projects Creative projects - films, video games, fashion design (using new materials or methods) Application of biotechnology to local production, such as new varieties of seeds, pesticide-free fertilizer Life sciences – for example, the production of medicines Business Process Outsourcing – big data apps to solve real-world problems Knowledge-intensive business projects such as new payment methods, enabling access to finance or new architectural designs etc.

Agricultural products with export potential – for example, new exportable agricultural goods Light-manufacturing that includes new products such as small furniture etc. using new materials, local materials and/or non-traditional methods Once approved for a grant, beneficiaries will be required to report on their progress for two years so that stakeholders can keep abreast of their achievements during the period. In addition, the DBJ will require information on the impact of the venture on the economy for the next five years. Indicators such as job creation, new investments as well as revenue growth in the new businesses will also be tracked.

Minimum Requirements The grant will be awarded through a competitive application process. Project applications must satisfy the following minimum criteria: Companies must be registered and operating in Jamaica Companies should be registered for no longer than four years Products/services must be environmentally friendly

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Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon Peter Phillips addresses the audience at the launch of the IGNITE Project

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BUSINESS & INNOVATION Contributed

Knutsford Express Services Limited stands tall as a pioneer, operating an intra-island luxury scheduled coach service that began nine years ago. Coming from an initial model that had 28 departures a week the company now boasts 28 departures on average daily. Currently there are point to point transfers covering approximately ten departure points including Kingston, Montego Bay, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, port Antonio and Negril. In over nine years of operation Knutsford Express has never cancelled a trip and successfully listed on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange in January 2014

Small and medium businesses are the engines of job creation and essential to strengthening our national economy. Empirical studies nationally and internationally, indicate that a robust Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector contributes to economic development and poverty alleviation by providing greater access to wealth creation opportunities.

The Young Entrepreneur Award was formulated to encourage entrepreneurial spirit amongst young business minded persons.

This award is for young people who would have already started business and needed the support and encouragement. The award is for a business that has been in operation for no more than three years and who during their existence demonstrates strong community impact under the leadership of a Principal who must be 35 years or under. In this category businesses are not required to be NCB customers. This category was copped by One-on –One Educational Services Limited.

Over the years, with our declared commitment and focus on SMEs, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) has designed a solid platform on which our SME partners can design and build their financial futures and in turn, bolster the local economy.

For the past eight years, a key strategy to ensuring that we recognize the contributions of our hardworking Jamaicans who are part of this robust sector is through the staging of our annual Nation Builder Awards. We use this annual calendar event to honour and bring focus on Jamaican SMEs who demonstrate sound business practices while making positive contributions to the communities they serve. These awards celebrate innovation, financial performance, commercial viability and potential, business continuity/strategic direction and community involvement.

Applications for the 2015 NCB Nation Builders Awards programme are received under the award categories of – Nation Builder; Young Entrepreneur and Innovation. Through an independent panel of distinguished judges, we assign the difficult job of assessing the pool of entrants to determine that they not only meet the stated criteria but are able to move onto the final phase of the selection process based on their community impact, creativity and innovative thinking, strategic direction, commercial viability and a final presentation.

The Innovation category salutes businesses which are NCB customers and have used their creativity, including but not limited to technology, to introduce new products for market and/or competitive advantage. The business must have been in operation for a minimum of 12 months and new NCB customers are welcome to enter. This year Knutsford Express Services Limited is the winner of the award.

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Audrey Tugwell Henry (3rd left), Senior General Manager, Retail Banking presents the national award in the Young Entrepreneur category to One on One Educational Services Limited. Directors of the company accept the award.

One on One Educational Services Limited is a Kingston based company which provides personalized educational and e-Learning solutions to over 1000 secondary school students. The concept of One-on- One is to inspire students to learn through mentorship, innovation and quality of lessons that are delivered ion a personalized environment. Breakthrough technology mYLocker e-Learning platform will now be available to over 500,000 students across the Caribbean to do their favorite CSEC/CAPE/GSAT course on devices such as mobile phones, tablets, PCs and laptops.

Last, but not least, is the Nation Builder category. This category honors outstanding entrepreneurial performance by an established NCB business customer that makes a clear and significant contribution to community development and the Tryall Golf and Beach Club is this year’s winner.

BUSINESS & INNOVATION Anchored by an early 19th century Great House and a National Heritage site the 2200 acre Tryall Golf and Beach Club property is the pre-eminent Jamaican sustainable visitor destination as lauded by the UNAID and the CTO. With an annual visitor count of around 50,000 Tryall has received commendation from the CTO as a leader in community development for the work of its three charities- The Ball Boy Foundation, The Tryall Sports Club and The Tryall Fund which have contributed immensely to the people of Hanover by way of healthcare, education, the environment and basic services. Employing sometimes in excess of 30% of the local community’s working class directly and indirectly the Tryall Golf and Beach Club has proven beyond a doubt that they are a true Nation Builder was in 2013 awarded the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Most Sustainable Accommodation in the Caribbean.

Patrick Hylton (left), NCB Group Managing Director presents the NBA Award to Tryall Golf & Beach Club. Robert Headley, Operations Manager, accepts the award.

NCB salutes our brilliant nominees and winners in the 2015 Nation Builder Awards -30-

Dennis Cohen (left), NCB Deputy Group Managing Director presents the Innovation Award to Knutsford Express owners, Mr & Mrs Oliver Townsend. Sharing in the moment is Hopeton Thompson, Operations Manager at Knutsford Express.

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BUSINESS & INNOVATION $76 Million Awarded in Grant Funding

by Sancia Campbell

Members of the JBDC Project Management and Research Department (seated) pose with Propsal Writng Workshop participants

Approximately J$76 million in grant funding has been awarded to organizations that have participated in the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC) Tapping into Donor Funds Proposal Writing Workshops since November 2013.

Additionally, just over 200 individuals representing the Micro, Small and Medium-sized business sector, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as private sector entities and educational institutions have also benefitted from the comprehensive, results-oriented intervention which consists of a three-day workshop and a full post workshop programme involving coaching and mentoring.

Among the beneficiaries so far have been the Wigton Windfarm, Kimroy Bailey Foundation, Environmental Health Foundation, Environmental Solutions Limited, National Education Trust, Life Skills Consultancy & Publishing Services and UWI Consulting.

According to Lisa Taylor-Stone, Manager of the Project Management and Research Department at the JBDC, the Workshop was created as a solution to respond to the funding challenge affecting private and public sector entities. She noted that MSMEs as well as other developmental organizations and groups are particularly challenged by financial constraints, and the workshops have been designed

specifically to provide strategic guidance on how to access available funding.

“The workshops aim to increase and enhance the capacity of participants to develop high-potential proposals to solicit assistance for business and developmental purposes,” she disclosed.

“Importantly, the intervention also includes input from local and international donor agencies that provide insight on the development of winning project proposals. Some of the components include: constructing winning proposals and avoiding proposal writing pitfalls, some of the elements that donors want to see in a proposal and getting the proposal title right,” she added.

Previous participating donor organizations include local agencies such as the Digicel Foundation, JN Foundation, NCB Foundation, Chase Fund and the Development Bank of Jamaica. International donor organizations who have given input include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British High Commission, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Foreign Affairs, Trade & Development Canada and the United Kingdom Department for International Development.

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Industry Minister Lauds the JBDC for ‘True Stories’

by Suzette Campbell

The Minister also expressed hope that their participation in the project, which sought to improve product quality, finishing and design, will lead to the craft producers selling more products, especially at Christmas! “Over the years, one of the weaknesses of our craft producers has been the inconsistency in terms of product quality and product supplies. At one point in time, there were complaints that for years we were producing essentially the same products. Or in other words, we expected tourists to come here to buy the same products over and over again. No business can operate in that way, and continue in the long run, to be successful,” he added.

The exclusive event, dubbed ‘True Stories’ was also attended

by His Excellency Mr. Alexis Sandoval Cajar - Panama Ambassador, Dr. Solangel Ortiz-Mejia - Charge d’ Affairs Colombia, Mrs. Theresa Noel-Belasco - Charge d’ Affairs Trinidad & Tobago, other distinguished guests from both government and private sector entities, as well as NCCRP project beneficiaries.

JBDC’s CEO Valerie Veira presents a copy of the True Stories Magazine to Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Hon. Anthony Hylton

It was a visibly proud Industry, Investment & Commerce Minister, Anthony Hylton who gave a resounding endorsement to the newly released True Stories magazine at the official launch held at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s head office in Kingston on December 15, 2015.

The Minister’s endorsement followed a presentation by the JBDC’s CEO, Valerie Veira. “The creative energies and artistic abilities of our Jamaican craftsmen and women have never failed to amaze me. I am no less impressed with the 22 craft producers featured in the inaugural “True Stories” magazine published by the JBDC. It is, indeed, my great pleasure to endorse this worthwhile publication,” he said.

The picturesque, glossy publication follows the conclusion of the two-year North Coast Craft Revitalization project. The North Coast Craft Revitalization Project (NCCRP) was a collaborative effort between the JBDC and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The JMD$15 million Project was aimed at improving the competitiveness and income generating capabilities of craft producers in the North Coast Region of the island, specifically in the parishes of St. Ann, Trelawny and St. James.

“All of this represents a major boost for the craft industry in particular, and the tourism sector in general. I want to take this opportunity to applaud the beneficiaries who successfully completed the programme. You are now equipped to operate in a much more professional manner, and I know that these valuable skills will be passed on to others,” he said.

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The public launch of True Stories is scheduled to take place at the Things Jamaican Devon House store on Thursday December 17, 2015.

To Di Rock!

by Marie Elizabeth Casserly

Gwaan! Up, up up! Having performed impressively on the world stage all year long, done his salute to di worl’, BJ flirted with the thought, tried it on, did the “Aji Bounce” and on a whim, decided to fly home!

Yay! We’re all cheering and happily welcoming our “big guy” back home.

Yet, after the initial smooches, salutes, kudos and Mr. Wray and his nephew’s mellowing on the rocks, are we making him feel right at home before he takes off again?

He came home for that authenticity he so desperately needs to recharge his soul - swept away by the nostalgia of yesterday’s music and the sweet memory of Grandma’s intoxicating pudding! Having returned though, he’s disillusioned: “Di whole worl’ waant a piece a mi but ‘ere on di Rock dem jus a seh “nuff love”….Mi nuh nuo wah dem a chat bout still!.. A weh di love deh?”

So organized are you that you made your list, checked it and completed your gift shopping before BJ arrived! Impressive! Maybe… Did you check your wonderful list through your Authentic Brand Jamaica lens? OK, here we go… BJ is about to throw a tantrum – do they still do that at this age?!

He’s shouting now! “Weh di barrel deh? Yes! Di barrel yuh a go sen a faren fi di fambili an fren dem, fi warm di “cockles” av dem ‘eart? Eeh?” Eh-hem, he definitely has a point! Are you listening? Before things get out of hand let’s see how we can help you.

So what‘s the view like on BJ’s wish list? To let you in on an open secret: BJ’s First, Favourite and dare we say One and Only stop is his beloved Things Jamaican shop! You will bump into him every time you decide to make it Things Jamaican as this chain of stores is the exclusive and supreme purveyor on the Rock of high quality authentic Brand Jamaica gifts and therefore proudly bears BJ’s stamp of approval! True-true!

With over 400 suppliers of the finest in Jamaican specialty sweet and savoury condiments, rums, wines and liqueurs, confectionery, baked products, spa collections, jewellery and other fashion accessories as well as decorative and functional accents for the home and office, books, music and items for children, Things Jamaican offers endless gift solutions and will take care of your list – family, friends, clients, colleagues, squeezes – gift wrapping and all! Aromatherapy oils, scrubs, soaps, lotions and candles to soothe and restore frayed nerves in a spa soiree delightfully followed with a sip of herbal tea sweetened with just a drop of the extraordinary - honey flavoured with ginger, cinnamon, pepper, lime, tamarind or Blue Mountain Coffee! Surprised? We’re just getting started!

Luxury Jamaica Rums and Reserve Blends make an excellent selection for corporate clients and for the more adventurous there is a cornucopia of possibilities on the wild side with unique wines from Sugar Cane, Noni, Ginger, Ackee, June Plum and Lemon Grass. Rum cake, jams, jellies, sweets, sauces and brand new condiments and confectionery like coconut chocolate spread and dark chocolate artisan bars, bring sizzle to the holidays! BJ seems to be all about his stomach, but he also goes wild with Things Jamaican’s offering of functional and decorative art, including paintings for home and office, which are excellent gift ideas as are coffee table and recipe books, games and music. Fashionable hats, bags,

jewellery and sandals add sparkle to the season making an inimitable holiday statement.

And behind every one of these unique authentic Jamaican gifts is a story, a love story; the love story of a Jamaican entrepreneur who decided to brave the odds, weather the storm and pursue a powerful dream of offering up distinctive, high quality authentic Jamaican creativity to the world. These are the gifts that keep on giving; giving to farmers, designers, artists, producers, marketers along the value chain, keeping people employed, supporting communities and fueling the Jamaican economy.

These are the stories which intrigue and fascinate the rest of the world and propel Brand Jamaica repeatedly into the global spotlight. Need we go on? Awww….BJ is tearing up!

So, what next? Review your list and come in and talk to us! You will make BJ so proud!

And just to make sure you really get it, we leave you with an excerpt from this piece written back in the summer of 1996 for that occasion when Jamaica for the first time graced the world stage with its gift collection, representing 30 designers and artisans at the New York International Gift Show at the Jacob Javits Centre that August. It was in this moment, in this space that many brands we know today found their launching pad; this was a defining moment, it marked the birthing of the new Things Jamaican stores.

JAMAICA HARVEST Reggae fills the island’s soul.

Bob Marley travels through time and space, melting the boundaries of culture.

Energy. Renewal.

And the world’s palate is awakened.

Ginger. Pimento. Jerk.

The globe breathes the aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee in bustling side-walk cafés. ….A doctorbird zips to the next heliconia and the canvas explodes….

Earth. Fruits. Flowers. Trees. Streams.

The Joy. The Spirit. The Energy. The People.

Our Natural Resources.

Our Place in the Sun. Jamaica.

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FINANCE JN Small Business Loans: Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Jamaicans Contributed

JN Small Business Loans: Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Jamaicans Since its inception 15 years ago, JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL) has designed and implemented its financial products and services to improve the operations of small entrepreneurs; facilitate growth in the economic life in their respective communities; and, better the lives of ordinary Jamaicans through responsible lending.

Guided by its mantra, ‘Believing in You’, the island’s premier microfinance company has assisted thousands of Jamaicans to achieve their dream of owning their own businesses. In the past financial year, JNSBL disbursed approximately 14,000 loans, valued at more than $1.3 Billion; and, since its inception has assisted in the creation and maintenance of more than 100,000 thousand jobs, particularly in the retail, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

As responsible lenders, JNSBL through one-on-one consultancies and regional seminars provide sound management advice to clients about: creating business plans, marketing strategies; and meeting their loan obligations in a timely manner. In addition, through its trained Credit Relations Officers, the company offers guidance to clients as to how to remain viable, particularly in the current harsh economic climate.

This approach was recognised earlier this year when the Caribbean Micro Finance Alliance commended and rewarded the company for addressing the well-being of its clients. The award demonstrated JNSBL's dedication to improving the lives of the people it serves.

Internally, the company revamped its website to facilitate online applications. And, recently, launched a new loan management system, "MAMBU", which allows its Credit Relations Officers to process loans on site; and, enables clients to check their balances online. These technical innovations, have given JNSBL the tools to tap into the market, particularly among young, tech-savvy persons who want to transact business with the organisation in a new environment.

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Mrs Gillian Hyde, who has been guiding the directions of the company since last year, speaks optimistically about its current initiatives.

"Our Relationship Centre brings clients in to discuss their operations; and, has improved the company's client relationship. In addition, we are now operating from 26 locations, which are in every parish," she stated. And, she pointed out that, "Through our increased use of technology, we can further meet their needs by providing exceptional and timely service.”

A pioneer in the quality and range of loan products offered to operators in the micro, small and medium sectors, the company recently added a personal loan product to its portfolio. It will assist clients faced with personal and medical emergencies.

The personal loan allows clients to borrow up to $500,000 to cover these emergencies, or educational expenses; as well as, to purchase furniture and appliances.

To qualify for a personal loan, applicants must be permanently employed to, or the same entity for a minimum of two years; have two written valid recommendations; and, be willing to repay the loan via salary deduction.

In addition to the personal loan, JNSBL also offers an education loan; and, business loans such as, the BizGrow and BizBoost for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses. And, there is also, the TEF 5x5x5 loan for persons in the tourism sector; and, a motor vehicle loan.

All of these products and services give JNSBL the ability and flexibility to reach out to a wide cross section of potential entrepreneurs; and, positions the company as one that is dedicated to improving the lives of Jamaicans.

Life Opportunities Loan Possibilities

>BG6@ ~ 32 1/2 Duke Street, Kingston

FINANCE Increase Profitability by Forming Clusters, says JBDC CEO

by Suzette Campbell

CEO of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira is urging Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) to engage in cluster activity to generate higher income. She was speaking at a recently held international seminar “Technology transfer to countries in Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Business Support” in Brno, Czech Republic.

According to Ms. Veira, data from the field indicates that the lack of a business plan, access to finance and the ability to export are key obstacles to growth within the MSME sector and clustering is an effective means of solving these issues with the help of government and the private sector. “Clusters are a strategic networking of entities engaged in co-related business activities that are linked horizontally, vertically, diagonally (and sometimes virtually) along the value chain that serve towards enhancing the competitiveness of both the individual entity and the cluster of entities,’ she explained.

Continuing, she added that cluster activity enables entrepreneurs to acquire critical skills including better management of the value chain, procurement management, marketing, as well as to achieve economies of scale/scope. “It facilitates bonding and fellowship so you know you’re not alone, entrepreneurs share ideas and best practices and they gain greater access to resources such as finance. This type of environment creates the right conditions towards increased profitability,” she said.

Ms. Veira says though more than 80% of entrepreneurs indicate a willingness to be part of a cluster, only a few have been formed so far. The government must facilitate and sometimes trigger and so the JBDC has been instrumental in the development of clusters, through continuous training and development, facilitating access to financing, hand-holding and administrative support such as office space. “These clusters include Egg producers who exported 27, 000 dozen eggs to Trinidad in December 2009 (Jamaica Egg Cluster), SPA Jamaica (Jamaica

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Wellness Cluster), International Contemporary Furniture Fair (Authentic Jamaican Gift & Craft Cluster), Island Couture (Jamaica Fashion & Apparel Cluster) and the Jamlamb brand – producer of lamb sausages, lamb ham (Small Ruminants Cluster),” she said.

Ms. Veira pointed out that MSMEs make up approximately 90% of the business sector; therefore their sales are often equal to the income of large companies.

“The local clusters have learned to import together, and many of them assert themselves to the international markets very successfully,” she added.

Following her presentation, Ms. Veira was lauded by the Business Platform for Foreign Development Cooperation, Czech Republic in a letter of commendation. “Your presence and presentation added dignity and great importance to this event.

I am glad we have succeeded in attracting the attention of important persons to the topic of transfer technologies to countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Your presentation impressed not only the audience at the seminar but also other delegates. We have been asked by many of them to provide and send your presentation to them. I believe that your visit and meetings with entrepreneurs here wasn’t the last one,” said Libor Novak, Chairperson of the Executive Committee.

The seminar participants were addressed by representatives of foreign business support institutions from Jamaica, Botswana and Burandi. The main motive of all contributions was the sustainability of business activities. Although trade relations between Europe and Africa are considered a commercial matter, it is necessary to emphasize the existence of European instruments to support entrepreneurship in the ACP program, and other institutions that receive subsidies from the European Development Fund (EDF), into which The Czech Republic contributes a considerable amount.

FINANCE Marketing on a Small Budget

by Suzette Campbell

If you think marketing is only for the big boys, you’re wrong. The words ‘marketing budget’ can be intimidating to a small business owner, as it’s often viewed as an expense; perhaps an unnecessary one. But a successful businessman once said “if you have gold and nobody knows that you have it, it’s useless.” So consider marketing not as an expense, but rather, an investment to grow your business, taking it to levels you never thought possible. Here are a few tips to make your business known.

Customer Experience It is said that ‘word of mouth’ is the most effective form of advertising.

Guess what? It doesn’t cost a cent! Your first duty to your customer is the delivery of a high quality product; getting it right the first time scores valuable points with your customer. The shopping experience that you provide is also very essential. And this does not necessarily require store space. Sometimes bad shopping experiences occur in the most exquisite settings. I have always been fascinated by pleasant and witty street vendors who go about in the boiling sun and rain plying their trade. The most successful among them are the ones who are most polite, because a smile or a compliment touches the heart strings and goes a far way. The happy customer will likely spread the word about a high quality product backed by good service.

Public Relations Although there is formal training for this aspect of marketing, it is an adaptable discipline. And again, the magic words, it doesn’t cost a cent!

Well, in some cases. Get the word out there through the media without paying for it by telling your story to a journalist who will write about you and your product. But your pitch must be strategically made to the relevant media and in the right segment where your target audience will be reached. It will serve you well to pay attention to the various programmes available. Listen to every radio station, watch every local TV channel, and read as many newspapers and magazines as possible, so you can be aware of current trends across the media landscape and use them! The majority will feature your business for free, as long as you have an interesting or impactful story to share. If you’re not bold enough to approach a media house, consider an arrangement with a freelance Public Relations Practitioner who will pitch on your behalf at an affordable price.

Social Media/Website Take a selfie, like, tag, share, post! There are so many social media platforms available, we just can’t keep up. Locally, the most popular ones are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Over the years, social networking has evolved from being just something among friends, to a widely used and effective marketing tool for businesses and unless you’re placing an official advertisement, it doesn’t cost a cent!

There’s a simple 80:20 formula that works in keeping your audience engaged; 80 percent social, 20 percent business. In other words, while your goal is to promote your business, you need to keep your audience engaged, so you’re not posting to yourself. The social aspect ought not to be random such as ‘hello sunshine’, but something that can be connected to what you do. For example, if you’re a photographer, consider sharing amazing photos from across the world that will intrigue your audience and pique their interest. By the time, you post something specific to your business such as a package deal, they would

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have already been in tune with your page and it will be seen! It is also imperative that your presence is frequent and relevant. The cost of placing an advertisement on social networks is nominal when compared with traditional media. However, the higher your spend, the wider your reach. Having your own website isn’t as far-fetched as you might think. Follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid) and a well-designed, yet simple web page is quite affordable and easily maintained and it will also make your business appear more official.

Additionally, search engine advertising such as Google Ads are effective and inexpensive. Imagine your advertisement popping up on Google!

E-Marketing/Direct Marketing Build a customer database using basic information such as name, contact number, address, and email address to facilitate direct and targeted communication with your customers. Whether you choose email or post, the attempt to speak with your target directly can be effective, not only because of the personal touch, but also, you are ensuring that the message gets to them. Depending on the size of your database, an e-blast may not require specific software, making it absolutely free! You could also consider distributing flyers door-to-door, an amazing opportunity to interact with your prospective customer face-to-face.

Traditional Advertising Now this is where the reality of a marketing budget sets in. This one does cost a cent! When it comes to effectiveness and reach, traditional media is arguably still king in Jamaica in the following order: Television, Newspaper, Radio based on the total number of the potential audience for each, all of which exceed one million persons according to data from the field. The most affordable of the three is radio, while print is most expensive, taking into consideration the cost of a full page advertisement compared with a 30 second spot on the evening news. A few tips to note if you plan on investing in traditional media advertising: the news commands the highest viewership of all programmes on local television, Sunday newspapers are the most read in the ‘dailies’ category, drive time (morning and evening) has the highest listenership on radio, so called because people are usually in transit. However, while these segments present the best value for money, they also come with a high price tag (usually worth the spend), so if you are marketing on a small budget, you can choose to forego frequency by placing your business in prime spots where it will be seen or heard by a large audience or you may choose frequency by placing many spots in less popular but more affordable segments where the exposure will be satisfactory. Don’t ignore your community radio and cable TV stations which in many cases do have a following and are significantly less expensive.

The point is, marketing your business does not have to cost you your kidneys. There are many free, affordable, yet effective channels available. And if you must, spend! As the saying goes, “you have to spend money, to make money.”

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TECHNOLOGY Tax Administration Jamaica: Making It Easier to

Contributed

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) continues to make it easy for persons to file and pay online at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm with the expansion of its online services. The newest additions to TAJ’s online options are: Revenue Administration Information System (RAiS): The new system allows taxpayers to file and pay General Consumption (GCT), Special Consumption Tax (SCT), Guest Accommodation Room Tax (GART) and Telephone Call Tax (TC) online. Taxpayers will benefit greatly from the RAiS by allowing them to access their information through a central web portal, such as filing and payment history, as well as any notices sent.

Property Tax Query Online: giving convenient access to information about property tax status, without having to first visit a tax office.

Stamp Online: allows taxpayers to pay their stamp duty and transfer tax specifically their inter-vivos transactions (conducted between living persons) online.

Mandatory E-filing of Returns. the following groups and persons have been identified to file their returns electronically: • GCT/SCT RETURNS • INCOME TAX RETURNS • EMPLOYERS MONTHLY STATUTORY DECLARATIONS (SO1) • EMPLOYERS ANNUAL RETURNS(S02)

All employers with twenty (20) or more employees are to e-file their Employers’ Annual Return (SO2) and monthly statutory declaration (SO1).

All taxpayers with GCT Refund Returns are also to E-file. Taxpayers with annual turnover greater than or equal to five hundred million dollars are to file.

To use the online filing option, Persons must first register for our E-filing service. This is done by creating a Jamaica Tax Portal login.

Taxpayers should then complete an Application for Electronic Filing Account Registration form and submit it at any Tax Office OR they can now register by phone through the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre @ 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357). However, persons who are already registered to file GCT returns online do not need to re-register, but should simply update the relevant information on the Jamaica Tax Portal.

To file online persons are first required to register for our E-filing service, while to pay online a valid credit card is needed.

TAJ’s online service saves time and money and may be accessed from anywhere, at any time.

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TECHNOLOGY FIWI PPL’ ON With internet penetration in the Caribbean reaching approximately 40 percent in the last few years, the time was ripe for Laune and Melissa Harris to take the bold step and launch their own Caribbean ad network – Wippl, which takes a similar form to the immensely popular Google Ads. Laune Harris explains that Wippl gives marketers and advertisers access to a purely Caribbean audience. “Your brands and products will be displayed across our network of top quality Caribbean websites,” he said.

Laune has a keen interest particularly in small businesses, citing that “Wippl helps to increase brand awareness and grow sales.

Their businesses will be seen online by the customers that matter to them, wherever they are.” Continuing, he added that the number of internet users in the Caribbean has doubled between 2009 and 2014, amounting to 18 million at present.

Additionally, an estimated 10 million Caribbean nationals are living abroad.

The site allows the advertiser flexibility in placement and budget with options like a Wippl CPM (Cost per Thousand views) campaign, meaning you pay when your ads are shown.

“You can also drive conversions with a Wippl CPC (Cost Per Click) campaign. Use our targeting tools to precisely select where your conversions come from and pay only when viewers click your ads,” he added.

.COM

by Suzette Campbell

Manage Campaigns Wippl’s simple, self-service campaign management puts you in full control. Create, stop, start and edit your campaigns at any time.

Track Your Success Wippl’s up-to-the-minute performance reporting empowers you to make timely and effective marketing decisions.

Pay Only for Results Your costs depend on your individual advertising goals, so you determine your budget. Spend as much or as little as you like.

Pay only for results.

Get connected with ‘fi wi ppl’ on https://wippl.com.

The benefits of using Wippl include: Target Your Ads You can target a local audience, or any combination of countries, as the intelligent platform evaluates millions of data-points to match your ads to the right people.

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THE

SPOTLIGHT

Kameela Abdul-Maajid

By Sancia Campbell

Creativity abounds in Jamaica. Whether its music, dance or literary, Jamaica’s reputation in the arts is solidified by the work of some of the country’s most talented artisans.

Among them are craftsmen and women who supply the Things Jamaican stores with peculiar and imaginative Jamaican pieces in various categories.

As we are a fashionable people, the collections inevitably include fashion accessories and one of the chief suppliers is Kameela Abdul-Maajid.

A jewellery designer, Kameela has been crafting beautiful pieces from metals, wires and other indigenous materials for approximately eight years.

According to her, her work is”… an artistic expression of her journey.”

By extension of her involvement with Things Jamaican, Kameela has been a client of the JBDC for well over five years. She credits the Corporation for providing support to the craft sector through the creation of an Incubator outfitted with jewelry making equipment and staffed with experts who also provide guidance.

This guidance is provided through the many technical workshops which are hosted at regular intervals at the JBDC Incubator & Resource Centre. Coming up shortly is the Sand Beads Jewellery making workshop, of which Kameela has been a part in the past.

This workshop utilizes the creativity of one of nature’s most abundant raw material; Sand; to make elegant hand crafted jewellery.

Kameela has also benefitted from several other interventions in both in product and business development from JBDC. She cites the myriad workshops in which she has learnt “how to effectively and efficiently build a business… from book keeping to business plan development”. “[Through my involvement with JBDC] one of the biggest things I am learning is flexibility in an ever changing economy in a way that keeps business alive,” she stated. “Being open to join with others to help sustain our young and growing businesses,” she continued.

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