JBDC Business Dialogue Magazine 'Celebrating 20 Years'

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS

04

CONTRIBUTORS

05

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

06

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

07 – 15

SPECIAL FEATURE: 20TH ANNIVERSARY LONG SERVICE AWARDEES

16 – 17

EDITORIAL TEAM

Special Edition

CENTRESPREAD

THE JBDC STORY: MAKING MAGIC...

‘FROM CONCEPT TO MARKET’

18 – 21

SPECIAL FEATURE: 20TH ANNIVERSARY LONG SERVICE AWARDEES

22 – 29

JBDC TOP 20

Valerie Veira, CD, JP Chief Executive Officer

Design & Layout Dhaima Garrell – JBDC Visual Communications Unit

Harold Davis, JP Dep. Chief Executive Officer

Freelance Photographer Terry-Ann Miller - Time by TAEM

Editor-In-Chief & Content Coordinator Suzette Campbell – JBDC Corporate Communications Unit

Freelance Photographer Mark Grey

Assistant Content Coordinator Sancia Campbell – JBDC Corporate Communications Unit

Freelance Photographer Otto Williamson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Suzette Campbell

is a multiaward winning communications practitioner with 19 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.

CONTRIBUTORS Sancia Campbell

Andre Heslop

is the E-Marketing Officer at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

He is a graduate of the University Of Technology, Jamaica and holds a BBA in Business Administration with a major in Marketing.

He has worked in a range of capacities within the marketing field from Marketing Officer to Customer Care Representative and has extensive experience with customer relations. Mr. Heslop is also a managing partner of the emerging Social U Consultants company, a social media marketing firm.

Jhonelle Grant

is an Integrated Marketing Officer with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, with a BA in Journalism and holds a Diploma in Digital Marketing. Jhonelle enjoys serving various volunteer organisations with communication and PR support and has a passion for youth development.

is a PR Practitioner in the business and hospitality sectors with over 19 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).

Dominic Harris

is the Administrative Assistant in the Corporate Communications Unit at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation. She is an aspiring marketing professional currently enrolled at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Message

FROM THE MINISTER

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he 20th anniversary of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has coincided with an unprecedented year of redesigning, reshaping and reengineering our approach to business development and continuity.

The current global pandemic has meant some businesses have had to embrace completely new modes of operation. The role of the JBDC, as the government’s premier business development agency, with its mandate of creating sustainable Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), is even more important during this new normal.

I am therefore happy to note the Corporation has sought to ensure that it does not just remain accessible to our MSMEs but that it has incorporated innovative and creative initiatives, such as the Virtual Biz Zone, that seeks to equip our fledgling businesses with the skills and resources they need to navigate these challenging times.

This initiative aligns with the goals of the MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy to make available to our MSMEs timely, relevant and measurable business development and capacity building services that will foster their growth and expansion.

Training and capacity building are also critical pillars for the growth and survival of businesses, as outlined by the MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy. In that regard, the focus placed on research and development under the JBDC’s entrepreneur engagement programmes highlights a crucial element of continuity that is needed to help our MSMEs augment and diversify their offerings, as we seek to differentiate Jamaican goods and services on the global landscape.

Also at the core of the government’s policy for MSMEs, is the creation of an enabling business environment that results in growing levels of formality in the economy. The Small Business Development Centres (SBDCs) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) funded Formalization Project are outstanding examples of the responsiveness of the JBDC to market-driven needs.

I must also commend the Corporation on its incubator and business consultancy interventions and the success of the partnerships it has forged over the years that have enabled our MSMEs to transition to formality.

The agility of the JBDC in recognizing the changing currents of the landscape and in developing interventions that respond to the needs of our entrepreneurs is testament to its contribution to nationbuilding. Both Jamaica’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and our continued economic development are hinged on our ability to boost competitiveness, increase productivity and enhance the resilience of our businesses. The Corporation’s efforts to augment the resilience of our MSMEs through interventions aimed at helping them to deepen their supply chains and improve their productivity, will go a long way toward achieving the GOJ’s strategic goal of transforming the country through MSME growth.

As Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, I applaud the JBDC team and reiterate the Ministry’s support for its mandate as the Corporation continues to pursue development policies that foster sustainable modernization and growth in the productive sector and the effective modernization of the business environment.

Honourable Audley Shaw, CD, MP Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce

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Message FROM THE CHAIRMAN

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s Board Chairman, I am delighted to join in the celebration of twenty years of operation of Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), our country´s leading organisation for creation and sustainable development of Micro, Small, and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs).

The list of accomplishments by JBDC is outstanding with high value innovations such as the Mobile Business Clinic, the Annual Small Business Expo and Conference, the Employee Engagement Conference, the Accelerator Programme, Things JamaicanTM retail store chain, and much more. The Board of Directors applauds the high calibre professional team at JBDC whose remarkable talent, initiative, and commitment continue to propel the organisation forward for nation building.

Jamaica needs to fast track recovery from the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The private sector is the primary engine for this recovery, but many entities need urgent business renewal for survival. JBDC has been quick to respond by hosting a series of virtual interventions to assist and support MSMEs. The agency pivoted immediately in March 2020 by launching a series of webinars and online events which stimulated the ecosystem amidst a daunting period for business. The message was clear: Move from panic and back to passion. Several new initiatives were introduced. These included the Virtual Biz Zone webinars, JBDC in Concert discussion series, The Entrepreneur’s Journey, as well as the Employee Engagement Seminar series. Since then, the agency has engaged more than 10,000 persons in the sessions and made frequent appearances in the press as thought leader on topical matters pertinent to business development.

Twenty years of unbroken service excellence deserves much accolade. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate JBDC on achieving this important milestone and pray for God´s continued guidance in your years ahead.

Dr. William Lawrence Board Chairman Jamaica Business Development Corporation

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Valerie Veira, CD, JP MSME’s Matriarch and her Village

by Jhonelle Grant

Valerie Veira, a veteran in the public sector for almost 44 years has cared and nurtured the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) from inception. Her background has provided vision and foresight to the company that has yielded monumental successes for the sector. She has competently spearheaded the team that has brought small businesses through cradling, incubation and then straight to the market for the last 20 years. Her undeniable contribution has caused her to be rightly dubbed the “Mother of all MSMEs.” Though many would boast of the indelible impact she has had on the sector, and her triumphs have made that undoubtedly true, her heart soberly sings that “no woman is an island.” She recounts the beginning stages of JBDC and the attitude of the foundation members, “twenty years ago, a family of people left their jobs to join this journey because they bought into the vision of ‘from concept to market’ and all the in betweens for small businesses.” She added that “the team has understood that it is more than a job, it is a mission and even family members who have left us still keep in touch because they bought into the mission.”

Over the 20 years, the team has grown and evolved and have caused ripple effects in the industry. JBDC is now positioned as a great resource to the ecosystem but the team started out very small. Miss Veira asserts that though the numbers were small the impact was far from that. She said “Our small team did not mean limitations, however it meant agility and it provided for us the opportunity to respond much more quickly to the needs of the industry.”

However, the growth of the company has provided expansive opportunities for JBDC to make its stamp on the MSME sector. Miss Veira contemplatively looks to the future of the organisation and believes that JBDC can have greater impact on policy for the sector and is certain that the influence of the company can reach beyond the borders of Jamaica.

In 2019, Miss Veira received The Order Of Distinction In The Rank Of Commander (CD) for stellar Public Service and Visionary Leadership in the field of Industrial Development. Throughout the years, her service to Jamaica has not gone unnoticed, as she has had the privilege of working with some of the nation’s Prime Ministers and leading business professionals.

The matriarch of the MSMEsector has not attributed any of her successes solely to her exceptional professional aptitude, but continues to sing the praises of team JBDC. “There’s nothing I could do without the guidance and support from the family members here at JBDC, I couldn’t have done this by myself. This honour covers all of the people at JBDC.“ Miss Veira has no regrets with 20 years of her career spent with at JBDC, she says, “Every year has been exciting, simply because we have moved beyond the horizon and have climbed many mountains successfully. We continue to make a mark on the development of our country.”

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Harold Davis, J.P. A Big Heart for Small Businesses

by Jhonelle Grant

Harold Davis could not avoid engagement with the MSME sector even if he tried. Rushing through his veins was the blood of a hard-working entrepreneur father and mother who was an educator with strong entrepreneurial proclivities.

Mr. Davis shares that tracing this inherent appetite for entrepreneurship is a recent discovery and reminisced on how the spirit of entrepreneurialism was indeed from his family. He had always attributed his heart for the sector to his awareness of how the small businesses contribute greatly to the Jamaican economy. He added “I don’t think I have ever seen myself working outside of developing small businesses.”

JBDC was a natural fit, as his professional career prior to joining had been geared toward small business development.

Prior to coming on board to JBDC, he served with JAMPRO and Exim Bank, which solidified his heart for the sector and equipped him to ably serve MSMEs. Mr. Davis boasted that “JBDC has transformed the entire landscape of entrepreneurship in Jamaica. I think that has been our greatest contribution to our economy as a professional organisation. We have changed the face, we have changed the outlook, we have changed the respect level for entrepreneurship and small businesses in Jamaica. We are now at the table making decisions. We are now influencing projects and programmes at a national level and dare I say international level.”

A creative himself, Mr. Davis has a special interest in the development of the Cultural & Creative Industries. He has played an instrumental role in the historic Mapping of the Jamaica Cultural & Creative Industries, a joint initiative between the JBDC and the British Council.

Mr. Davis believes one of the most significant pay-offs of working with the JBDC is the transformation of the MSME sector. He shared that MSMEs have now been brought to the forefront of the conversations surrounding topics in the sector. The Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, now has a page focused on small businesses, the first of which the JBDC had responsibility for, this to him is proof that the corporation is making waves in the industry.

He sees the corporation as a gamechanger and thought-leader in the sector and believes that this will continue in the years to come. Mr. Davis is certain that JBDC will continue to be the guiding light for MSMEs, he believes the role that JBDC has within the industry is profound in moving the ecosystem forward. He noted that the familial environment that the JBDC team has will continue to contribute to the future successes of the company as it has always been the driving force behind the corporation’s accomplishments.

He didn’t hesitate to joyfully recount the initial stages of the corporation and with great satisfaction laud the victories won. Mr. Davis attributes the success of the corporation to the dedicated staff. “I remember when we just started, there were just a few of us here at JBDC and the camaraderie that we had and of course this sense of building this cathedral and from that we have built the organization to where it is at now.”

Mr. Davis beamed as he spoke about what the last 20 years has been like and said “the journey has been sweet, the journey has sometimes been rough but it has certainly been rewarding.”

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Special Edition

Ann-Marie Brown Twenty Years of Personal & Professional Achievements

by Sancia Campbell

Administration & Facilities Manager, Ann-Marie Brown, recalls about twelve significant milestones in her personal and professional life over the past twenty years.

Among her loudest and proudest achievements have been her growth with the Jamaica Business Development Centre, as it was then known; and her most recent joys, her grandsons, Jade and Jaden.

Starting as Administrative Assistant at the Centre, she has grown to the level of Administration & Facilities Manager at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation. Over the past two decades, she has both supported and overseen some of the most significant changes at the JBDC. “My role at JBDC has always been integral as I worked as the CEO’s Administrative Assistant. I was part of the team that managed the process of the name change from ‘Centre’ to ‘Corporation’ in 2008 and I also worked closely with Executive Management to acquire a number of JBDC properties,” she boasted proudly.

Another great moment for her was overseeing the construction of the sewage system at Camp Road with the guidance and support of fellow manager, David Harrison. “Seeing the new system coming to life was very fulfilling for me. It was a situation that we endured since 2007 and I took it personally when team members would complain about the different challenges that would emerge from use of the system,” she shared.

The building of the main staircase at the front of the building was also a particularly proud moment in Ann-Marie’s sojourn. According to her, the complaints about the original staircase was plenty. “Persons complained that the steps were too short and we even had a few cases where persons unfortunately fell while using the stairs. The new stairs that are now in place responds to those risks but it is also an attractive design while being user-conscious,” she noted.

Ann-Marie has also celebrated some personal milestones during her JBDC sojourn. In addition to Jade and Jaden, she was recognised with the Team Leaders’ Choice Awards in 2007 and the Outstanding Service and Commitment Award in 2008.

The completion of a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Technology is also one of her proudest accomplishments.

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Colin Porter

A Repository of all Things Creative and Designed

by Sancia Campbell

Technical Services Manager, Colin Porter is not just a foundation staffer at JBDC, he is a repository when it comes to all things creative and designed.

An Industrial Engineer by profession, Colin has used the principles of design to enhance the output of the Visual Communications, Product Development and Engineering teams, which comprise the Technical Services Unit located at the JBDC Incubator & Resource Centre.

But long before Technical Services and IRC came to life, Colin had responsibility for the Craft Trailer. His office space was in the wide-open space of the former Industrial Secretariat now Accounts Department. At that time, he also sported a more youthful look. With budding black locks and loads of energy, Colin worked assiduously with his fellow founding team members to “accomplish basically everything.”

Says Colin, “In the early days, there were less of us on staff but we did more collectively rather than as Units or Teams.

From renovating the building to staging events and putting on workshops, the family spirit was very strong,” he shared.

“We looked out for each other and bonded not just through work but through regular social activities. We never lost sight of our main goal though which was to see our clients grow and succeed,” he affirmed.

Then came 2008 and the Incubator & Resource Centre was born and Colin once again was front and centre overseeing creative direction for the new Technical Services Unit. “Being a part of the team that established the Incubator and Resource Centre that has assisted so many persons with developing or manufacturing their products is probably one of the contributions that has been most impactful for me. I am also particularly proud to have contributed to programmes that helped to grow the MSME sector,” he stated.

Colin admits that while there have been challenges along the way, his JBDC experience has continued to live up to expectation. “Through working at JBDC, I’ve been fortunate to interact with entrepreneurs at all levels throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica and even a few in other countries. To see the transformation that some clients have made to their businesses as well as their own personal growth because of our support has been very satisfying,” he declared.

While citing that the JBDC journey has been largely fulfilling, there were challenges and low points.

Despite these he has no regrets. “I would not trade the last two decades I spent at JBDC for anything.

I have seen the organisation transform into what it is today. We have a unique model for business development that others have tried to emulate and that to me is a complement to our expertise.”

“I hope that the spirit of working creatively will remain with us as we grow even bigger and further,” he concluded.

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Janine Fletcher-Taylor Poised and Purposeful

by Jhonelle Grant

Throughout the years, Janine Fletcher-Taylor, a St. Catherine native has put her hand to different career experiences. Her expansive exposure and qualifications culminated into the powerhouse marketer that fearlessly serves the Things Jamaican™ brand. She has always selected her paths with great intention and has left each experience with knowledge that informs her next steps. Janine’s journey with the JBDC started in 2001 when she came on board as a Marketing Assistant.

Janine recounted the beginning stages of her time with the corporation and the significant impact the team has had. “When I came to JBDC it was like stepping into an entirely new realm in my career. I had no idea the extent of the responsibilities that we would have to the country and companies we were supporting.” She remembered that the first task given to her was to reopen Things Jamaican™ which had been closed. This brought deeper revelation of purpose for her, as she was not only dealing with sales and branding products but people and their livelihoods.

“The culture and the mission were embedded in my personal purpose and it has been a love relationship ever since.” JBDC has provided for Janine the opportunity to express her passion for development and being able to support people in such a way that they can provide for themselves.

Janine described Kumba Mi Yabba as one of her most rewarding experiences with the JBDC. She noted that prior to the influx of trade shows currently in the market, the event stood out as an opportunity to put JBDC’s clients in the driving seat of commerce. She added that this event allowed for clients to receive guidance and also gave the JBDC team the chance to learn more about the person behind the product. “One of the biggest pleasures for me is to look back over the 20 years at companies that came in with just an idea and to see them being such a force in the economy now as MSMEs. That’s fulfilling,” she added.

Janine looks to the future of JBDC and Things Jamaican™ and says “I would like to see the level of product development and output able to compete with any international product on the market. I want that when we put a Brand Jamaica product out there, persons respect it and be willing to spend on it because it has value.”

She believes the diversity of the JBDC staff continuously contributes to the successes the corporation experiences. She noted that many staff members along with their technical aptitude possess great creativity. That combination, in her opinion contributes to the innovative ideas that keep the job fresh and exciting. She added that the unity of vision to execute plans and ultimately impact lives produces great magic. “I think everybody that works at JBDC goes home with a sense of purpose at the end of the day and that is what JBDC is about,” she concluded.

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Vivette Verne McFarlane A Journey of Excitement, Learning and Growing

by Sancia Campbell One of the most admirable character traits about Vivette Verne McFarlane is her ability to recall dates, names and details. And so, her JBDC reflection is filled with history, interesting recollections and specifics that not many others would easily remember.

For example, Vivette can name each department and every team member from the genesis of the then Jamaica Business Development Centre. She also easily recalls and smiles in so doing, that the feeling of family that was evident then, still exists today.

“In the early days of the organization, we had a cadre of young, committed, vibrant, eager and enthusiastic individuals, who without formal job descriptions and specifications, gave their all, and went above and beyond what was required to execute whatever tasks or project the organisation was involved in,” she shared. “We worked hard and play hard. Friday evenings were our designated party evenings. All that was required was good vibes, music and food. Party sell-off,” she quipped.

“Naturally, many lifelong friendships including some marriages would also evolve from our associations. Everything was teamwork. When it was time for inventory and stock taking, our then IT Manager, Nigel Collins and Business Advisory Services Officer, Steve Dunkley would happily drive to Montego Bay or Norman Manley to assist the Things Jamaican team. Supper allowance or per diem was never an issue, we just worked,” she shared.

Like many of the 20-year celebrants, Vivette is a transplant from the Productivity Centre at JAMPRO. She started her sojourn fresh out of Community College and has since gained significant qualifications including a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and International Business (UTECH) and certification in Project Management (Mona School of Business).

Likewise, her trajectory up the corporate ladder has been reflective of not only her years of experience but her willingness to be involved in all aspects of the organisation’s growth and development.

“I started JBDC as an Administrative Assistant. My onboarding was a natural progression, as the Centre was the most radical of agencies and could be defined as a thought leader, visionary and trendsetter.”

“I was excited about the prospects of JBDC, the idea was new and we knew that coming out from under JAMPRO would mean that we could set our agenda and begin to make an impact on the MSME sector,” she declared.

Fast-forward to 20 years later and Vivette’s contribution is counted as one of the most impactful and beneficial to the JBDC. “In my association with the JBDC, I have gained a wealth of knowledge that is not only beneficial to me professionally but personally. I have had the opportunity to participate not only in local tradeshows but regional and international. I have visited Barbados twice, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica/ United States Chamber of Commerce Trade Show in Broward County, USA.” “My ability to pay keen attention to details has enabled me to be promoted from Administrative Assistant to Team Coordinator and now Assistant Manager of the Marketing Service Unit.”

Among the areas she counts as those of significant impact are: • Being considered as one of the point persons responsible for advising/coaching clients from concept to market.

• Seeing the transformation of products and businesses from the marketing and product development advice given.

• Seeing the products from clients that I have worked with and coached accessing markets not just locally but expanding to export markets not only in the Diaspora but crossing other borders.

• Involvement in the expansion of the Things Jamaican chain of stores from one to seven.

She is also particularly proud of the role she has played in key missions including London 2012, Jamaica 50th, Prime Ministers Conferences, JBDC’s Employee Engagement Conferences.

“JBDC clients have faith in our organisation and we are committed to the transformation of the MSME sector. In this very fluid environment, JBDC is the reservoir of knowledge to support the MSME sector, where there are more entrepreneurs, the dynamic workforce of the the MSMEs,” she concluded.

sophisticated JBDC is very vital in sustaining

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Dhaima Garrell

“Twenty years, wow! The time here went by so fast.”

by Andre Heslop

Dhaima Garrell began her journey as an intern in the library at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) shortly after leaving high school “Yes, JBDC had a library,” she said.

What started out as a type of internship has quickly transformed into a twenty-year tenure at the organisation. Dhaima has traversed several departments throughout her years. These departments include: Information Technology, Business Advisory Services, Project Management & Research referred to at that time as Projects and finally the Technical Services Unit that houses the visual communication/graphics unit, where she now works as a Graphic Designer.

“One of my most impactful contributions to the organisation would be the establishment of the Entertainment Club (E-Club),” she said. The e-club arose from a need to have more staff engagement outside work hours. Dhaima began to think of ways to add more dynamics to the work environment and this led to numerous trips to unique locations, after work jams, games even and other social events.

As the lead for this initiative, Dhaima found herself creating and designing flyers for these events using the application Microsoft Word, the Adobe Photoshop of that time. This curiosity and creativity caught the eye of the Human Resource Management & Department and paved the way for her career in graphic design.

“My time thus far can be summed up as one of fulfillment, growth and fun. I have enjoyed my time impacting the various entrepreneurs through our programmes such as Kumba-Mi-Yabba, the various conferences and initiatives,” she said.

Dhaima also expressed that JBDC is an organisation that does tremendous work with entrepreneurs and changing lives with one business at a time, from the Production Train that brought JBDC’s services to people across several parishes of Jamaica to the Small Business Expo & Conference that brings people islandwide to one location for the desired help they need to make a difference.

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Kareem Knight

So Much More than the IT Guy

by Dominic Harris

After completing studies at the National Radio Institute School of Computing, Kareem Knight was eager to start his career journey as an Information Technology professional at a notable institution. He worked in the accounting field for a while before crossing paths with Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

Coming ‘straight outta Harbour View’, Kareem waltzed inside the doors of the JBDC. At the time, Kareem was a computer technician who specialised in visual basic programming skills. Kareem was able to apply skills learnt from previous studies which made him even more passionate about his new career venture.

He is an innovative and resourceful team member who enjoys hands-on activities. During his tenure, he masterminded the IT Help Desk which introduced a ticketing system that promotes a more organised view of IT requests and enables a smooth flow of the team’s operations. “The IT Help Desk is a great way to maintain the mail system,” Kareem told the Business Dialogue.

On another note, Kareem was not just the IT guy. After a hard week of work, many team members would lyme, enjoy music and play games in the downstairs lobby. This was how many coworkers came to realise Kareem was a great dancer and the life of party. He eventually passed down his crown as ‘king of the dance floor’ to his fellow colleague Paul Sylvester.

Great memories were made in the downstairs lobby and Kareem appreciated every minute of it, whether it was setting up for a staff meeting, work event or office party. He was able to grow personally and professionally throughout his 20 years and had quite a rewarding experience. Today, he is the Network Technician within the IT department.

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Joseph ‘Joe’ Cameron The Head Cook and Bottle Washer

by Dominic Harris

When one hears the name Joseph, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the Bible story of a man who had a ‘coat of many colours’. Joseph Cameron is a man of many skills. Though he forms a part of the JBDC’s Administration team as driver and stationery clerk, he is not limited to any one job description. He is like the head cook and the bottle washer for JBDC, a hands-on and exceptionally valuable team member.

Along with performing his main duties, other departments tend to call upon him for additional assistance with certain job functions. Some of these include painting, event set-up with Things Jamaican™ or filling in a ‘selector’ role at Corporate Communications events. He can be seen at every event working up a sweat from start to finish, ensuring that things such as booths and sound quality are in place, as well as equipment properly secured.

Joseph is also quite entrepreneurial, having his own onestop-shop based in the kitchen. This little shop supplies snacks for team members throughout the day and is never empty. The entrepreneurial spirit should come as no surprise when one works at JBDC. “It get the opportunity to earn extra money. But it is not just about the money for me. I enjoy taking care of people. When we are outside working or on road shows in the country, I share whatever I have,” he said.

Joseph is a loving husband, father of two boys and the epitome of a gentleman. He is a true traditional man who takes care of all the ladies at the JBDC. Some refer to him as the ladies’ man; in fact, the rumours are true. He offers to carry our handbags, assists to buckle our shoes and even straightens our collars.

His mannerism is so on point that you could never come to work without being greeted with a pleasant “Good Morning”. Whenever Mr. Cameron is not at work, persons can sense it because of his personality. “When I reflect on my JBDC journey, the two words that come to mind are hard work. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to work. It keeps me going,” he said with a smile.

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Story

THE JBDC

Making Magic…

‘From Concept to Market’

by Suzette Campbell

“T

hat was your impromptu history lesson for today,” said Valerie Veira. What should have been a 5-minute interaction involving the signing of documents had transformed into an hour-long conversation which was indeed the most fascinating fairy tale I had heard from a Chief Executive Officer. The romance in this fairy tale was one between passionate business development experts and ordinary Jamaicans with a dream of entrepreneurship. It began in the year 2001 at 14 Camp Road, Kingston.

One hardly ever reads a good book once, so this story had to be told again. In July 2021, as the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) celebrated 20 years of helping entrepreneurs, ‘From Concept to Market’, Miss Veira sat down with Miss Fae Ellington to tell the JBDC story.

This time the virtual audience consisted of government and private sector partners, clients, staff members as well as long service awardees who were quite familiar with the story yet still so intrigued.

JBDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Veira has Fae Ellington in stitches as she tells the JBDC story.

Following the completion of graduate studies at the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States, Miss Veira returned to Jamaica and assumed the position as the Assistant Vice President in charge of the Technical Assistance Division at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). “Our division

was the one in charge of negotiating technical assistance for Jamaica. We found that there was a fragmentation of projects, but no programmes for small businesses and we decided to rationalise that,” she explained.

Miss Veira recalls that the division had strong support from the United Nations. “In bringing all the projects together, the work was recognised beyond a programme and more like an organisation. This was the genesis of JBDC,” she said as she pointed to fellow long service awardees like Harold Davis, Colin Porter, Vivette McFarlane and Ann-Marie Brown in the audience who were with her as JBDC was birthed.

A

skilled negotiator, Miss Veira has consistently sought space to house the growing organisation she built from the ground up. Her supportive team in tow, she has made an art of it. “We actually captured a building on Camp Road.

But we have evolved and are now the owners. We actually own 12 Camp Road now. It’s a process,” she quipped with a broad smile.

Today, the JBDC is headquartered at Camp Road with additional offices in St. Thomas, Manchester, Westmoreland, St. James and St. Ann, offering business development services at all locations. Referring to the Incubator & Resource Centre (IRC) at Marcus Garvey Drive, which was the venue for the awards ceremony, she noted “When the Minister saw the work that we were doing he said we needed a bigger space. When we came, the building had been uninhabited for 5 years. We were not happy, but we are creative people and so we transformed it,” she said.

The IRC is the epicentre of creativity at the JBDC, providing services in product development for entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry, along with incubators for food, fashion and gift & craft. This is also the place where brands are

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born, as the designers in the visual communications unit provide expert guidance and production relating to logos, labels, among other forms of branding. “At Camp Road, we deal with the concept and framework of the business. This is where we get into the construction side of things, dressing the idea for market. And we cut across industries, from dyeing fabric to making ice cream, jams and jellies for the market,” Miss Veira added. he JBDC’s retail arm, Things Jamaican™, predates its inception but the organisation can be credited for its revival. “It was an organisation that started well and then it was going down, but we are brave people, so we decided to take it on without a budget.

My team is that kind of team which pushes me to make those decisions. Things Jamaican™ used to manufacture products but we decentralised that. Now we support producers who work in their own spaces,” she said.

T

Among JBDC’s flagship events is Kumba Mi Yabba, one of the biggest Christmas gift & craft trade fairs to be staged in Jamaica. The annual venue was Devon House and patrons eagerly looked forward to shopping authentic Jamaican products from the many booths. “It is our famous show. We were once again taking over big spaces. It’s not just an exhibition. It is a business facilitating many of our micro

Miss Veira receives her 20th Anniversary award from Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn, Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce at the awards ceremony held in July 2021.

and small entrepreneurs getting exposure and earning revenue. Post the show, Kumba Mi Yabba, which means bringing everything to the table and sharing, the exhibitors get additional orders to keep their businesses going,” she added.

The JBDC’s achievements over the years have been many, but the one which stands out for Miss Veira is not her national honour, the Order of Distinction, but the recognition now being given to Micro, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). “The MSME sector is no longer just the flavour of the month or a sexy thing to talk about. It is a recognised group, and they are now sitting at the decision-making table demanding what they need. We have a policy that supports them. We have funding entities such as banks developing products specifically for them. There are international agencies providing support through many programmes geared a capacity building. It is no longer the flavour of the month. It is now the main meal and we know it won’t go back,” she said.

Miss Veira is confident that the JBDC will still be in good hands in another 20 years. “I see myself watching them grow, because I have a confidence that the team will grow further and expand. Every day is exciting at JBDC. We haven’t stopped getting new ideas and developing new programmes. That is part of our DNA. I know for sure that JBDC will go down in history as one of the productive development agencies in Jamaica. We will acquire more properties as we extend our resource centres to other areas,” Miss Veira said as she chuckled.

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e wait with bated breath, the next location she and her team will take from nothing to something.

The vibrant colours on the exterior and interior of 14 Camp Road belie the stained carpet and drab look that a small team led by a woman determined to conquer entrepreneurship barriers, found 20 years ago. The décor signifies the energy and creativity to be found inside the minds and hearts of a dedicated team which has grown from a handful in 2001 to more than 100 in 2021.

The running figure inside the JBDC logo is significant to the JBDC’s mandate and the clients served within the MSME sector. The figure is carrying a painter’s pallette and a computer, signifying the linkages between creativity, innovation and technology. Originally designed by visual artists Ireka and Ritula 20 years ago, the figure and the logo were recently updated by the JBDC’s visual communications team for the anniversary celebrations. The whimsical figure signifies the magic in growing businesses in this never-ending fairy tale.

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Beverley Gooden

Epitome of Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

by Dominic Harris

Miss Bev’s mission is to maintain a clean, tidy and appealing work environment. While most of the team is in bed, Mrs. Beverly Gooden affectionately known as ‘Miss Bev’ is already on duty ensuring that when the team greets an immaculate office; bathrooms smelling fresh, team members’ desk and phones are sanitised and items neatly stacked on their desks. Miss Bev ensures that everything is in place for the team to commence the day’s activities.

JBDC is like a place of tranquility to Miss Bev. She believes that once she is in the company, she is at peace.

Due to this, Miss Bev will go the extra mile at ensuring the environment is looking good. She is a valuable team member as she always leaves a good impression on stakeholders, business partners and potential clients. At our 20th Anniversary Celebration and Staff Awards held at the Incubator Resource Centre where Miss Bev is based, the host Fae Ellington could not help but mention how presentable and clean the restroom was.

Not only does Miss Bev ensure a clean environment, but she is also like the guardian at IRC. “Miss Bev is a nice person who gets along with everybody. However, she will not hesitate to throw verbal punches in her defense if an individual fails to communicate with her in a respectful manner”, Administration Manager, Ms. Ann-Marie Brown told the Business Dialogue. Miss Bev is a no-nonsense individual who ensures everything flows accordingly; from team members getting their lunches on time to how individuals get home. Miss Bev is like a mother figure for her coworkers and sees most of them as her babies. She has watched many team members grow professionally and personally over the years.

Miss Bev reminisced on what she recollected as a delightful 20 years, describing JBDC as the “Learning Centre” and a home away from home. “I started working at JBDC in the role of an Office Assistant on November 1, 2001. Although Miss Bev started as an office attendant, the “Learning Centre”, JBDC opened many doors for her.

With enthusiasm, she proudly spoke of being granted the opportunity to participate in Grace Kitchens where she was later awarded a certificate in the area of hospitality. This and other opportunities she said helped her to get formalised and expand her knowledge base while nurturing her skills.

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Denise Dallas

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

by Dominic Harris

Whatever Denise does, she ensures the highest quality of her expertise is always portrayed. She is a hard worker who takes pride in contributing to her client’s satisfaction. One of the most beautiful things for Denise throughout her 20 years at JBDC is how much she impacted the lives of numerous clients.

She crossed paths with many businesses that sought assistance from JBDC and witnessed them flourish. It is a proud feeling for Dallas and a major part of what makes her passionate about what she does.

Denise travelled to various parishes in Jamaica and even the United Kingdom with her team to do what they do best, educating clients of the Things Jamaican™ brand and providing opportunities for individuals within the MSME sector. This aided in generating awareness for JBDC and also increased Things Jamaican’s client base.

As a Sales Associate at the time, Denise was in her zone.

She managed to perfect her craft over the years as she is now a Senior Sales Representative within JBDC’s Marketing Services Unit which manages the Things Jamaican™ store chain.

“Team work makes the dream work” by John Maxwell is a meaningful quote to Denise. She has enjoyed working with the Things Jamaican™ team in bringing their vision to life. In fact, it was through team work that Dallas formed meaningful, lasting friendships. I call them the “Three Musketeers” but they are also known as Denise, Alicia and Nicola. Dallas would’ve worked so closely with these team members over the years that they are now inseparable.

It was a positive and progressive journey filled with many valuable lessons learnt. However, one of the most important lessons that stands out for Denise is patience. “My 20 years at JBDC taught me endurance, tolerance and the true meaning of team work,” Denise told the Business Dialogue.

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Cameletta Maxwell “The job must have been mine!”

by Andre Heslop

Camaletta Maxwell, Junior Business Development Officer at JBDC’s St. James office expressed that gratitude is a must for her. Camaletta is one of the early members of the Things Jamaican™ sales team at the Sangster’s International Airport. A friend who was applying for the same post introduced her to JBDC and encouraged her to apply as well. As fate would have it, her friend got an opportunity elsewhere and Camaletta started the JBDC chapter of her life.

“I must admit, leaving Mount Alvernia High I was not sure what I wanted to do. But JBDC came along and provided me an awesome opportunity to learn,” she said.

Camaletta thrived in the position of Sales Assistant, as her enthusiasm and passion for the products made her a dream for customers to interact with before their flights.

Her exceptional ability in sales earned her an award for the most innovative and creative Sales Assistant among Things Jamaican’s locations.

Closure of the Things Jamaican™ Sangster International Airport location was an unexpected end to her career in sales. However, a window of opportunity presented itself in the JBDC’s Business Advisory Services Department (BAS).

No longer working with the end product, but now the entrepreneurs themselves presented a new challenge for Camaletta but her passion never wavered. “I was more accustomed to sales and interacting with the end product but now in BAS, I interact with the masterminds behind the products I have been consuming and selling for years, I am now influencing the creation of not only the product but the businesses in entirety,” she expressed.

Her time at JBDC as with all aspects of life has its ups and downs. However, being able to grow and develop in a thriving and supportive environment is an experience she describes as a blessing. Starting a family, advancing her education to the tertiary level and impacting people’s lives daily have made her 20-year long career one of great fulfilment.

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Camesha Morrison – Shirley One of the Best in the West

by Jhonelle Grant

Camesha Morrison-Shirley is a Junior Business Development Officer with the Montego Bay office and if you want to know how the west was won, have a conversation with her. She has been with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) for 20 years and has moved from working with the sales team to her current role. Camesha formed the team that opened the Things Jamaican™ store in the Sangster International Airport and has been contributing significantly to the JBDC team ever since.

The success she enjoyed in sales did not stop there, as she continues to make strides as a Junior Business Development Officer. Her current MSME clients at the JBDC’s Montego Bay office have fittingly described Camesha as dependable. This is a necessary trait for any Business Development Officer, as small businesses need individuals that are reliable and are looking out for their best interest.

Camesha has shared very fond memories with the JBDC and retold a story that made her confident that this is where she wanted to stay. “I had to do my training in Kingston. On my second day of training at the TJ store at Devon House, there was a big event happening at Devon House at the time and I remember Janine FletcherTaylor who was training me at the time said, “ok you are going to meet Miss Veira, the CEO now, don’t be nervous”, which really didn’t help because it just made me even more nervous. So, I started fixing up my outfit and stood up straight so I could look more presentable and professional. And I remember this like it was yesterday, I will never forget it, but Miss Vera walked in the store singing and dancing to the music that was playing and just having herself a good ole time and was calling the persons that were working to dance with her, and I remember just thinking ooh yeah this is where I belong.”

Camesha is not one to embrace the spotlight. Her success in sales is largely due to her leadership qualities and strong administrative skills. She is formerly a Supervisor for the Things Jamaican™ sales team in Montego Bay and those who have worked with her commend her on her eye for accuracy and procedures.

Janine Fletcher-Taylor says Camesha’s personality and skill sets provide great assistance to any team she has been on. “She is always one that has good questions, but she doesn’t stop there. She has provided us with great solutions as she is always thinking on her feet. Though she is reserved, she is willing to express her thoughts and they always add great value to the work we do.” Janine applauded Camesha’s willingness to be corrected and commended that a trait like that will continue to have her growing and learning.

Camesha’s mix of skills and determination have proven very beneficial to the JBDC family throughout the years. Her clients and co-workers are blessed to have her on their side as she produces top tier work that continues to contribute to nation building. JBDC has a special place in Camesha’s heart, and she concluded by sharing why she has stayed with the family for 20 years, “I strongly believe in JBDC’s mandate, and my desire is to assist entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.”

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JBDC TOP

Things Jamaican (2001) The name Things Jamaican has been synonymous with quality Jamaican-made art and craft products. Established in the 1960s by the then government and the Social Development Commission, the main purpose was to bring structure to the craft industry in Jamaica through the following actions: • Re-organize craft development in Jamaica • Promote the craft sector through research, design and marketing of high quality Jamaican hand-made products for both the local and tourist markets • Operate as a commercially viable entity.

After a series of development initiatives spanning years, the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), now Corporation was given managerial responsibility for the Things Jamaican brand by ministerial decision in 2001. Things Jamaican was reborn and now serves its stakeholders through with both physical and e-commerce locations.

Kumba Mi Yabba (2001) The Kumba Mi Yabba Craft Fair was launched in 2001 with a mandate to provide market access and promotional opportunities for a wide range of authentic Jamaican products including ceramic items, paintings, carvings, household accessories, aromatherapy items, clothing, fashion accessories and food condiments including seasonings, spices, jams and jellies.

The fair which is usually held around Christmas time also highlighted local cultural elements including music and entertainment, folk singing and storytelling, fashion showcases, food tasting and cooking demonstrations throughout the event.

The last staging of KMY, as the event is affectionately known was 2016, when it was expanded from its single location in Kingston to incorporate craft producers and entrepreneurs in Montego Bay.

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BYND (Building Youth or National Development) Programme (2003) The Building Youth for National Development Programme (BY.ND) was launched in September 2002 with the aim of assisting young persons between the ages of 17-29 to participate in a more meaningful and visible way in the economic development of the country, thereby reducing unemployment and poverty among the group in society.

The BY.ND project anticipated success through developing the capacity for employment and business start-ups of the Jamaican youth through: • Internship in host companies • Providing business development training and start-up grants to young entrepreneurs The first phase of the project was for two years and benefitted over 1200 persons.

Individuals recruited were placed as interns in businesses including garment and fashion, Agro and food processing, craft and gift, woodworking and furniture as well as tourismoriented industries.

UNDP – Income Generating Enterprises Project (IGEP) (2005) The JBDC/UNDP Income Generating Enterprises Project began in 2003 with two projects targeting the Avon Park and Commodore communities in Trench Town and St. Catherine, respectively.

The Avon Park project focussed on establishing a well-equipped medium-scale bakery in the community which would provide employment opportunities, training and spiral the growth and development of other manufacturing and social enterprises in the community.

The Commodore project established an Agro-processing facility and screenprinting venture in the community.

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JBDC Satellite Offices in Rural Jamaica (2006) The JBDC Satellite offices across Jamaica have transitioned through many names and stages. Initially called JAMBIC i.e. the Jamaica Business Information Centres, they were launched in 2006 in an effort to improvement the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized businesses by providing access to business, technical, marketing and financial services.

Each centre also offered specialized services based on the needs of the clients in its environs.

Fast-forward to 2021, and the JBDC offices across Jamaica now provide fullservice support to new and existing entrepreneurs across Jamaica. All offices work together to offer comprehensive business mentoring, hand-holding and monitoring support to all business types and sizes regardless of their stage in the entrepreneurial journey.

IDB - PIMJ (Productive integration of Microenterprises in Jamaica) (2007) The Productive Integration of Micro-Enterprises in Jamaica Project (PIMJ) was launched in December 2007. The project was a three-year programme funded through combined contributions of cash and in-kind support from the InterAmerican Development Bank, Government of Jamaica and other counterpart agencies.

The purpose of the project was to integrate and strengthen 14 networks of Micro Enterprises (MEs) in the craft and agro-processing sub-sectors. The project assisted selected sectors to offer a more meaningful and visible contribution to the industrial and economic development of Jamaica through increasing their competitiveness and creating job opportunities. The project directly impacted approximately 100 microentrepreneurs.

Cricket World Cup Licensed Products (2007) In 2007, the Caribbean played host to the ICC Cricket World Cup. JBDC received the license to market ICC branded products in Jamaica. Through its Business Opportunities for World Cup Cricket programme, the JBDC prepared individual and community entrepreneurs to capitalise on the entrepreneurial opportunities arising from the event.

Participants were engaged in a series of Capacity Building, Product Development, Intellectual Property rights, Marketing, Branding and Packaging workshops. As a result, a significant number of Craft, Fashion and Food products were produced for sale over the period. Additionally, the Things Jamaican stores provided market access for these specially designed and created products through its stores.

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EU - PSDP (Private Sector Development Programme) / Cluster Programme (2007) The Private Sector Development Programme, initiated in 2004 was a five-year technical assistance programme that focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Jamaica’s private sector response to the challenges resulting from increased globalisation and liberalisation of markets.

Its objectives were to be achieved via twelve support programmes that were accessed by private sector firms and Private Sector Organizations and Support Institutions (PSOs).

Target beneficiaries included MSEs and private sector organisations and support institutions, including not for profit organisations that provided critical business development support to private sector firms.

The programme was executed through two components; the Cluster Sector Initiative (CSI) and the Enterprise Rating and Upgrading (ERU) Programme.

The CSI component was aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of key sectors targeted by Jamaica (and the PSDP) for further growth. As one of the implementing agencies, the JBDC was responsible for five of the ten clusters chosen under this component; Small Ruminants, Fashion, Authentic Gift & Craft, Wellness and the Egg Clusters.

The ERU component placed special emphasis on providing technical assistance to individual enterprises. The overall objective of the ERU activity is to enhance the competitiveness of Jamaican micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) by bringing them up to world-class standards through assessment, benchmarking, rating, preparation of an upgrading plan and financial support for upgrading.

Incubator & Resource Centre (2008) The JBDC Incubator and Resource Centre (IRC) is a local economic development initiative focused on providing a business environment that facilitates the accelerated and sustainable development of targeted entities within the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) sector.

Opened in April 2008, the IRC is dedicated to developing ideas and growing businesses in the productive and service sector, i.e. fashion, craft, food, and music and information technology.

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JBDC Small Business Expo & Conference (2008) The JBDC Small Business Expo began in April 2008 to mark the celebration of the then Centre’s 7th Anniversary. The goal of the expo was to bring together all the support services that could assist in the development of particularly micro and small business owners.

The first staging was held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel with approximately thirty (30) corporate exhibitors from financial institutions, media, business service support organisations as well as agencies of government such as Bureau of Standards and Tax Administration Jamaica.

Presentations on topical business issues were prepared and presented by the JBDC’s Business Advisory Services team.

In 2012, the Conference component was added and that saw the exponential growth of the annual event. At its highest, the JBDC Small Business Expo and Conference hosted up to 70 exhibitors and over 3000 attendees.

After approximately thirteen (13) stagings, the JBDC Small Business Expo & Conference holds pride of place on the country’s business calendar as the only event of its kind in the island. Over the years, the event has impacted close to 20,000 potential and existing entrepreneurs as well as facilitated partnerships, relationships and collaborations aimed at growing sustainable business ventures.

Furniture Jamaica Project (2011) In 2011, JBDC launched the Furniture Jamaica Programme to increase the competitiveness of the Furniture and Wooden Products sector and improve the contribution to Jamaica’s industrial and economic development. An important outcome was the improvement in the supply of locally manufactured furniture and wooden products to both the domestic and international markets.

The initial targeted beneficiaries were furniture manufacturers and producers experiencing raw material shortages or unavailability, those utilising archaic production processes and those affected by the inadequate use of design and technology among other related issues across Jamaica.

The JBDC technical team including production engineers and designers made technical presentations and provided training to furniture manufacturers in Clarendon, Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann and Portland.

Significant achievements of the project included the publication of an industry study and the establishment of a furniture design centre.

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Jamaica 50/ Olympics collaborations including London (2012) Local manufacturers including Artisans, Book & Music Publishers and AgroProcessors benefitted from remarkable exposure at the ‘Meet Jamaica Initiative’ and Jamaica 50 celebrations held in the United Kingdom during the staging of the Olympic Games in 2012.

The initiatives, which were staged collaboratively with a number or private and public sector agencies sought to capitalise on the retail opportunities for locally manufactured goods. The leading organisers were the Ministry of Youth & Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Investment & Commerce, Jamaica Promotions Corporations (JAMPRO), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Jamaica National Building Society and the JBDC through Things Jamaican.

Operating from two major retail outlets in London’s O2 Arena and Birmingham Square and two ‘pop up’ stores at the I Love Jamaica Day and Brixton Splash Festivals held in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary, approximately 121 suppliers received market exposure, brand identification and other benefits from the initiative. Important to note is that over 70% of participants comprised micro and small businesses with products entering the UK market for the first time.

The Things Jamaican temporary shops recorded over 15,000 visitors with over 11,000 translating into actual sales over ten days.

NCCRP (North Coast Craft Revitalization Project) 2013

The project objectives were to:

The North Coast Craft Revitalisation Project (NCCRP) was a collaborative effort between the JBDC and the Tourism Enhancement Fund. The project is aimed at improving the competitiveness and income generating capabilities of craft producers in the North Coast Region of the island and specifically in the parishes of St. Ann, St. James and Trelawny.

• Improve the business and technical competencies of the beneficiaries through training and technical support • Develop and strengthen the quality of products being offered by the beneficiaries • Increase market access and promotion of beneficiary products Among the project’s significant achievements was the completion and submission of a baseline study and the development of 20 new products.

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Mobile Business Clinic Initiative (2014) In September 2014, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) mandated by the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC) launched the Mobile Business Clinic Initiative (MBCI) under the theme ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Jamaican MSMEs’.

The initiative which involved both the public and private sector had as its main objective the “decentralization of Business Development services”. This meant that through the project, entrepreneurs from across the island, across industries and in particular new industries, were provided with easy access to business development support services over a three-year period.

The MBCI was executed in major towns and remote communities across Jamaica utilizing a mobile unit sponsored by Fidelity Motors and with the participation of fifteen government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, along with lead support from the National Commercial Bank.

Small Business Development Centre Network (2015) The Jamaica Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Network was established in February 2019 with the signing to two partner organisations, Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to widen the network as per Goal 3 of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) & Entrepreneurship Policy.

The Jamaica SBDC Model, is designed from the model practiced within the United States and in particular, the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA). The focus of the Jamaica SBDC is to build the capacity of our partners and to make an economic impact through business development. Important to the network, is the creation and registration of new businesses, increase in jobs and sales, totals number of loans and grants received, as well as training activities and programmes for our entrepreneurs.

To date, fourteen (14) SBDCs have been established across the island.

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Business Monitoring Programme (2013) & Accelerator Programme (2017) In its continued thrust to target, nurture and develop high-growth potential entrepreneurs, the JBDC introduced the Business Monitoring and Accelerator Programmes. The Accelerator Programme was officially launched in March 2017 as a response to the important question as to why Jamaican MSMEs were/are not scaling at a pace in keeping with Jamaica’s natural proclivity towards creativity and ingenuity.

Designed as a six-months intense, accelerated approach to facilitating business growth, the programme has sought to build capacity among enterprises with the potential to increase efficiency, scale quickly, attract investment and achieve market repositioning.

So far, three cohorts with over 50 enterprises covering a wide range of industries including IT, Hospitality, Agro-Processing, Wellness and Recycling, have participated in the programme.

The Business Monitoring Programme was established in 2013 is the JBDC’s flagship programme for facilitating the growth and development of its clients. It is an 18-24-month programme of handholding and monitoring support that aims to identify and build on the gaps in a business’ capacity to grow over an agreed period of time.

JBDC Employee Engagement Conference (2017) The first staging of the JBDC Employee Engagement Conference was held in October 2017 under the theme, “Stimulate, Inspire, Empower, Engage.” The conference was conceptualized following a demand that was established through the JBDC’s Research Coaching Workshop that engaged up to 80 HR practitioners and middle managers annually as well as through the National Employee Engagement (Pilot) Report that was released in November 2016. The pilot report indicated that 1 in 4 Jamaican workers are disengaged.

In delivering on its objectives, the Conference focused strengthening the capacity of leaders to engage the workforce towards producing optimal business results and creating a platform to showcase local research studies centered on employee engagement and workforce productivity. Being the first of its kind in the Caribbean, the event brought together leading experts and those in search of knowledge in a single space; the results of which sparked life-long partnerships, knowledge-transfer and empowered workplaces. Additionally, participants gained immediate access to implementable and winning strategies about how to galvanize business growth via investments in people-centric strategies.

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JBDC CEO Receives National Honour (2019) Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Miss Valerie Veira has been appointed THE ORDER OF DISTINCTION IN THE RANK OF COMMANDER (CD) for stellar Public Service and Visionary Leadership in the field of Industrial Development.

The announcement was made on Independence Day, August 6, 2019.

With an illustrious track record in business development, Miss Veira has distinguished herself as a highly motivated communicator with organizational, negotiating and industrial development skills. Miss Veira has led the JBDC since inception in 2001 when she was appointed by then Prime Minister PJ Patterson. The JBDC, which is the premier government agency providing business development services to Jamaican Micro, Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs), has grown exponentially under her watch.

Mapping of the Jamaica Cultural & Creative Industries (2020) The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) collaborated with the British Council to conduct the mapping of Jamaica’s Cultural and Creative Industries during 2020.

The study which was undertaken by international consulting firm, Nordicity, included over 550 CCI stakeholders reflecting a workforce of creative business owners, artists, freelancers and workers from across the country.

The methodology included roundtable meetings, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and consultation and capacity development with stakeholders from government, institutions and the private sector. The research was analysed through a framework devised for the cultural and creative industries comprising infrastructure, skills, finance, markets, data and information and creation and production.

JBDC Virtual Biz Zone (2020) Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in March 2020, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has pioneered a series of online webinars that continue to stimulate the MSME sector in this new dispensation.

The JBDC Virtual Biz Zone is a Webinar series aimed at MSME development and capacity building as well as sensitizing our client group as to how businesses will operate in the new normal. The sessions hosts experts with specific business knowledge who share insights on the changing environment and how small businesses in particular can pivot and respond in the new environment and serve emerging customer groups.

The interventions have reached well over 10,000 participants since its inception and in 2021, we will continue to engage our client group with the support of our partners to pivot both their businesses and their mindsets towards successful and sustainable business growth.

The Gift & Craft Biz Zone is one of the spin-offs from the JBDC Biz Zone that affects issues concerning gift & craft entrepreneurs.

Several sessions have also been hosted for these entrepreneurs focusing of identifying raw material, the exporting process and production efficiency.

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Jamaica Business Development Corporation 14 Camp Road, Kingston 4 • Tel: 876-928-5161-6 Website: www.jbdc.net