The Millennial Marketer (August 2023)

CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ EXPOSING SMALL BUSINESSES

35 MORE 35 MORE PROCESSES TO BE PROCESSES TO BE ADDED TO THE ADDED TO THE JAMAICA BUSINESS JAMAICA BUSINESS PLATFORM PLATFORM

AUGUST 2023

ISSUE 117/

VOLUME 30

PM CITES PM CITES JAMAICA AS JAMAICA AS ONE OF THE ONE OF THE EASIEST EASIEST PLACES TO PLACES TO START A START A BUSINESS. BUSINESS.

TRADE BOARD TRADE BOARD LIMITED TO LIMITED TO ESTABLISH ‘EXPORT ESTABLISH ‘EXPORT ACADEMY’ ACADEMY’

WAYS TO WAYS TO INCREASE SALES INCREASE SALES FOR YOUR FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS! SMALL BUSINESS!

From the Editor

When I write each month’s Letter from the Editor, I first look up what I wrote for the same month the previous year. In August last year, I included an excerpt from Sir Alexander Bustamante’s speech to the PNP national conference following the general election of April, 1962. In light of many recent societal changes around the globe – some of which have caused the people of wellestablished nations to question the very core beliefs upon which their nations were founded – I feel we need regular reminders of who we are as a people, as a society and as a nation.

So, here it is again: “Comrades, it is one thing to become free; it is another thing to build a real nation of your country.

But, comrades, we start our nationhood with some great assets. One of the good things is the long time that it has taken us to evolve our life into freedom as a people. We have learned much over the past half a century. We have learned most of all over the last twenty-four years in this country; and we have only got to remember the lessons we have learned to make sure that we can find the right way for the future.

We gave this country for seven and a half years a Government that knew how to use power with restraint and respect for human decencies in the land. We gave this country for seven and a half years a Government which believed in the realities of democracy, which allowed all men to walk the land free from fear and free from oppression.

We have one-third great asset in this country, moving into nationhood, and this is the quality of the people of the land, a people tough and resilient, taught by adversity to endure hardship with patience, given some special spirit of loyalty to inspire them in their devotion to the causes they espoused, a people well understanding right from wrong, well understanding decency in government, well-understanding justice and the rule of law. And those are great assets for a country to start with.”

As we continue to move forward, let us be reminded that achieving true nationhood is a long, arduous, continuous process that requires constant reflection, steady leadership, and the daily contributions of talented, resourceful people.

Let us take stock of the past 61 years and celebrate what we’ve accomplished, but place our greatest focus on where we can – and will – go in the future.

Happy 61st, Jamaica!

Warm Regards,

Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER

TIPS FOR HURRICANE PREPARATION

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Emergency Operations Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683).

FOOD SAFETY

Do not store food items with chemicals such as kerosene, bleach, detergents, and insect sprays

Do not purchase/use food from tins that have signs of dents, bulges, or other damage

Keep food items in a dry and cool place

Store packages of sugar, flour, rice, and crackers in their original package or tightly closed containers

Keep a bag with emergency food supplies if you have to evacuate your home. This should include only canned and dry food items.

WATER SAFETY

Store water in a clean, covered container. The lid of the container should fit tightly to prevent mosquito breeding.

Do not use containers that have previously stored harmful chemicals

Use a clean container with a handle to “dip up” water from the storage

PERSONS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES

Persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma are reminded to have an adequate supply of medication and, if they have to evacuate their homes, must ensure that they take their medications to their shelter.

They should continue to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor while away from home.

PREGNANT WOMEN

All pregnant women within one month of their delivery date should relocate to family or friends near a hospital or delivery center. Please note that public hospitals will remain open to accept emergency cases.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ EXPOSING SMALL BUSINESSES... 1/2

Times are hard, and so some people have more than one stream of income. This has given rise to a wide variety of cottage industries in Jamaica. For some, their small business is the only source of income. And there are those who are even using their home as ‘factories’, providing jobs for family and non-family members.

But after all is said and done, there have to be markets in which products are disposed of. Yet marketing and exposure can sometimes be the biggest challenges in an effort to earn an income. The lack of promotional opportunities and a solid and consistent market might just be the root cause of the failure of some of these businesses.

Thus, the trade show, Christmas in July, for the past few years has been providing marketing and networking exposure for some Jamaican small businesses for free. And on Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13, this year’s iteration was held at the AC Hotel Kingston on Lady Musgrave Road in St Andrew. One hundred and seventy-five artisans, manufacturers, and suppliers exhibited a wide array of locally produced items. The Gleaner was present to capture what these businesses are doing.

A Taste of the Caribbean manufactures, markets, sells, and distributes a “diverse portfolio of top-quality shelf-stable specialty food products.”

They cater to and serve retail and food services to businesses in the US, the UK, Canada, and the Caribbean. The company’s premier brand is Dunson’s, “which symbolizes what the company stands for” – trust, integrity, value, quality, and service. “The brand represents good, wholesome, delicious foods for the entire family,” A Taste of the Caribbean said.

Located in St. Thomas and Kingston, they offer a range of products that cater to a multicultural and diverse audience. They include instantcooking sauces, hot sauces, pickles, wet seasonings, dry herbs and spice seasoning blends, dips, ketchups, condiments and fruit-based spreads, bastings and glazes, salad and vinaigrette dressings, marinades, multipurpose food and pancake syrups with tropical flavours, and exotic Caribbean confectionaries and snacks.

Still, on the matter of food, Chocollor Chocolate, a familyowned manufacturer of “fineflavoured bean-to-bar chocolate” in Kingston, was back again this year. Its line includes milk chocolate, chocomunch milk chocolates, 60% dark chocolate, 70% dark chocolates, white chocolate, sorrelinfused white chocolate, 70% dark chocolate with fruit cake pieces, chocolate liqueur, and ‘Goodness Graze,’ the 70% dark chocolate with monk fruit. The company says Goodness Graze is “possibly the Caribbean’s first and only one-of-akind 70% premium bean-to-bar chocolate.”

CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ EXPOSING SMALL BUSINESSES... 2/2

“Made from ethically sourced Jamaican cocoa beans and sweetened with monk fruit, this unique chocolate bar is nature’s perfect guilt-free indulgence. Monk fruit is a small, round fruit from southern China and is a healthier alternative to added sugar. Monk fruit sugar is derived naturally and has been recognised for its health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. it may positively affect digestion and overall health,” the company says further.

From the stomach to the body, we go with Jadire fabric and, more specifically, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Batik Group. The members were trained at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) to dye fabric in a traditional Nigerian way. The word Jadire is an AfricanJamaican fusion of Jamaica and adire, which is the Nigerian equivalent of tie-and-dye. Batik printing was once a vibrant industry in Jamaica but has been waning over the years. What is happening at the JBDC is inspiring a resurgence.

“On a mission to make this tie-and-die batik production a national cloth for Jamaica just like other symbols represent the island, the JBDC has trained 100 local producers since 2018. The motifs used in this handpainted fabric represent significant aspects of Jamaican culture, such as ackee and breadfruit leaves,” the JBDC says. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church group displayed at Christmas in July for the first time this year. The event was a collaborative project of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the JBDC, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, JAMPRO, and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

David Wan, President of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), has recommended the Ministry of Labour promote the benefits of flexible-work arrangements as the adoption by businesses has been low.

Mr. Wan said the arrangements are more successful in 24-hour operations. But he argued that not enough businesses are participating, for reasons including employers and workers not seeing the relevance of the flexi-work arrangement.

"It's much more important for those industries...that run 24-7 [such as] hospitals, law enforcement, airports, hotels. But in other industries, typically 8:30 to 5:00, it has not been a great take-up. And we would like to see more because it allows the employers to give a little time, somewhat flexibility, to those with children," he suggested.

NOT ENOUGH BUSINESSES TAKING UP FLEXI-WORK ARRANGEMENTS BUSINESS

SCOTIABANK AND TAJ PARTNER FOR DIGITAL PAYMENTS

Scotiabank and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) have announced a partnership that will bring enhanced tax payment capabilities and convenience to the bank's Internet bill payment platform.

All Scotiabank customers, including business banking customers, can now make realtime payments of approximately 30 tax types using the Scotia OnLine banking platform or the Scotia mobile app.

"By integrating our online platforms with the TAJ's systems, payments of multiple tax types have been made faster, more secure, and more convenient for both our business and retail banking customers," said Gail Whylie, Senior

Manager

of Global Transaction Banking at Scotiabank.

"The partnership is indeed a welcome addition and is geared at our overall goal of enhancing the banking experience and helping to make the business process in Jamaica more efficient," Whylie pointed out.

"Customers can specify the tax type they wish to pay, along with the tax period and the amount," explained Ainsley Powell, Commissioner General of Tax Administration Jamaica. Powell clarified that this new payment strategy offers several key benefits, such as an additional online payment option, increased transaction speed, and the ability to secure an official receipt without needing to visit the tax office.

"Paying from Scotiabank OnLine or mobile banking platforms allows for accounts to be quickly updated and lowers the possibility of delays due to unidentified deposits," Powell said. He further noted that the system now provides real-time validation of the account for which the payment is made.

Scotia OnLine already provides 24-hour access to many banking features via the Internet, including account management, funds transfers between internal and external accounts, mobile top-up, and bill payment.

Shop #12, 2 Church Lane

Stockhouse Plaza

Montego Bay, St. James.

(876) 952 - 6765

(876) 508 - 7599

Kiosk 5 Fairview Shopping Center

Alice Eldemire Drive,

Montego Bay, St. James

(876) 684 - 9213

MINISTRY WANTS JAMAICANS TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEHAVIOURS... 1/2

A call has been made for organizations and individuals to partner with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in getting the population to improve their health behaviors.

Making the call, portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said too many people are ending up at the accident and emergency departments of hospitals when the illnesses could have been prevented by individuals doing regular health checks.

“We want to partner with the private sector, the Municipal Corporations, Members of Parliament, the police, employers, civil society, and the church. Let us work with you,” the Minister said, speaking at the Annotto Bay Health Centre in St. Mary on June 23.

Noting that the partnership can help to reduce the deadly effects of lifestyle diseases, the Minister told his audience that “if you control it, the pressure on the hospitals is not going to be great, and importantly, longevity and quality of life will be enhanced.”

A Know Your Numbers event was held at the Health Centre, which Surgix Jamaica Limited has officially adopted.

The Minister said that information is key to controlling illnesses, and the “greatest threat” to personal well-being is consumption habits, lack of physical activity, overindulgence of salt and sugar, and lack of rest.

“We want to make it easier for people to at least have the knowledge, and the Know Your Numbers campaign is going to be a standard feature over the next year and a half,” he said.

MINISTRY WANTS JAMAICANS TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEHAVIOURS... 2/2

The Adopt-A-Clinic programme enables individuals and groups to contribute to the improvement of healthcare service delivery at the primary-care level, and Dr. Tufton said Jamaicans all over the diaspora, local corporate entities, and individuals are “responding well” to the initiative, with contributions of more than $200 million.

For his part, Managing Director of Surgix Jamaica Limited, Winfield Boban, said the opportunity to support the Health Centre was a “dream long in coming, and we want to be an integral part of what you do every day.”

He pointed out that the company will arrange regular health events to support community members.

Member of Parliament for St. Mary North Eastern, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, said the facility is heavily used, and the adoption is welcomed.

“This moment is a great one for the citizens of Annotto Bay and its environs,” Dr. Dunn added.

For her part, Public Health Nurse for the parish, Terrion Smith, said the company has done its civic duty to adopt the Centre.

“We are going to be better able to support the people. We want to work towards making our community a better place, preventing illnesses, and promoting healthcare,” she said.

PM CITES JAMAICA AS ONE OF THE EASIEST PLACES TO START A BUSINESS.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is one of the easiest places to start a business globally. He pointed out that the Government has levied no new taxes on Jamaica’s businesses or households in the past eight years.

“That has given businesses a very long, stable, and predictable runway and confidence to plan and execute. That is a commitment that we intend to keep as long as possible, to ensure business confidence and support the development of the long-term value for businesses, and for that reason, you should invest in Jamaica,” the prime minister emphasized.

He added: “To further enhance the business environment, our national investment policy aims to make it easier to invest in sustainable, innovative projects and contribute significantly to Jamaica’s economic and social development.”

Holness addressed the opening ceremony for the ninth annual Outsource to Latin America and the Caribbean (O2LAC) Global Digital Services Summit at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

Holness noted that with Jamaica’s economic recovery from the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic underway, now is the time for businesses to invest.

He told stakeholders that the island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an estimated 2.7% during the January to March 2023 quarter, compared to the same period last year, with the services industry expanding by 3.8%.

“This represents our eighth consecutive quarter of economic growth. Our overall economic output levels have now surpassed pre-COVID-19 [pandemic] levels, one year before our projected timeline,” the prime minister further stated.

Additionally, Holness said Jamaica’s net international reserves (NIR), as of March 31, 2023, totaled some US$4.15 billion, representing a 38&% increase on preCOVID-19 levels.

He further informed that Jamaica is now the Caribbean’s leading outsourcing destination, with over 60,000 individuals working in the global services sector. The Prime Minister also noted that Jamaica’s unemployment rate has fallen to approximately 6%.

“There has never been a better time to invest in Jamaica. Jamaica is in the midst of a remarkable economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and the overlapping global economic shocks that occurred after. Jamaica is open for your business!” Holness declared.

O2LAC is a long-standing initiative by the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector, aimed at unleashing regional countries’ full potential in the fast-growing global digital services industry. Jamaica is the first English-speaking country to host the summit.

The event allows Latin American and Caribbean start-ups and entrepreneurs to network, broaden their views, and engage with investment funds, multinational corporations, governments, and like-minded peers. Approximately 600 representatives are participating in the two-day summit, which concluded on Thursday, June 15.

TRADE BOARD LIMITED TO ESTABLISH ‘EXPORT ACADEMY’

The Trade Board Limited (TBL) has announced plans to establish an ‘Export Academy’ to help bolster Jamaica’s export capacity. The platform will be a free online service the Government provides through the entity.

Trade Administrator and TBL Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Major (Ret’d) Hugh Blake, said the academy will “reduce the uncertainty about how to export and give businesses the tools and confidence to seek out export opportunities globally.”

Dr. Blake said the facility will empower Jamaica’s exporters “with even greater decisionmaking information and trade-in know-how.”

He was addressing TBL’s ‘Step-Up Export with Trade Agreements’ seminar at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

Regarding the platform’s operation, Dr. Blake explained that exporters will complete an online questionnaire analysed by standard programming to identify knowledge gaps, after which the information will be used to customise a training programme for that particular company or individual.

“The Export Academy is no big mystery! What it really is, is that we have developed an instrument where we capture from the potential exporter what exactly they want to do, and based on how they fill out that questionnaire, we will know where the critical knowledge gap is,” he added.

Once the information is identified for a company or individual, it will be sent to them automatically. This will be followed by a series of quizzes and feedback from the TBL. The Academy’s development is being done in addition to the TBL’s efforts to expand the reach and scope of the Jamaica Trade Information Portal (JTIP) by presenting its content in Spanish and French.

The JTIP provides exporters and importers with data on the regulatory requirements to conduct trade transactions. The facility is the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

“The dynamic trade environment in which we operate requires us to innovate and be strategic in obtaining, interpreting, and disseminating data or information. Consequently, the JTIP needs to be expansive and accessible,” Dr. Blake maintained.

He further indicated that the strategies being pursued by the TBL are in support of export growth in Jamaica.

“Without a doubt, we can agree that for Jamaica’s economy to grow, we must fundamentally earn new monies from outside our shores. This can only be done through greater exports of Jamaica’s goods and services,” Dr. Blake underscored.

35 MORE PROCESSES TO BE ADDED TO THE JAMAICA BUSINESS PLATFORM

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will collaborate with key partners to introduce 35 new government processes to the ‘Jamaica Business Gateway’ over the next two years.

The virtual platform, launched by JAMPRO on Wednesday, May 17 at the AC Hotel by Marriott in New Kingston, allows ready access to some essential services needed to do business.

It currently features 14 processes that have been identified as priorities. JAMPRO’s Film Registration, Cannabis Licences, Divestment of Lands, Productive Input Relief, and Registration of Pharmaceutical Products are among the top priority.

With the additional procedures that will be introduced, JAMPRO hopes to meet its target of having 49 processes on the platform in two years.

“We have ticked the box on the [first] 14, and we are currently in procurement for the next 26 processes that will be in place by the end of this fiscal year,” said President of JAMPRO, Shullette Cox.

“We also have a number of integration work to do to make sure that all the other government platforms that exist can be accessed through the Gateway as well,” she noted.

Ms. Cox took the opportunity to invite businesses to interface with the various agencies, input their applications and have the necessary discussions. She pointed out that while the platform has been launched and the live testing phase has begun “we are not yet at the stage where we are promising perfection, but what we have is a trained team that understands the processes that they are supporting.”

“They are ready and willing to work with applicants to ensure that the Gateway works for them,” Ms. Cox said. She indicated that there are some other features that will be integrated on the platform in the coming weeks, such as a ChatBot that will help with information.

Other features include discussion forums among government partners, and consultation sessions where government entities will be able to engage with business entities that are registered on the portal.

Persons can access the platform by visiting https://jamaicabusinessgateway.com/.

Other key entities in the development of the portal are the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; LPA Corporate Solutions Limited; e-GOV Jamaica Limited; Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ); and the Foundation for Competitiveness and Growth.

MSMES TO BENEFIT FROM BUSINESS ROADSHOW

The Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce has partnered with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to undertake a national initiative to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) across the country. Dubbed ‘The MSME Business Roadshow,’ the national outreach will expose MSMEs to the network of support services offered by the Ministry, its agencies, and partners. It will provide entities with information about and access to business development services, promote awareness of financing opportunities, and foster connectivity between markets and customers.

The objective is to foster the growth and development of the MSME sector, which currently contributes about 44% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The IDB is providing a grant of approximately US$250,000 to fund the initiative.

Addressing the launch on May 30 at the IDB offices in St. Andrew, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, said, “This strategic and focused effort to engage with and strengthen the MSME sector, through this MSME roadshow, is critical to the country’s long-term economic growth.”

He said that among the service providers is the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), which will stage capacity-building workshops aimed at increasing the participation of MSMEs in public procurement activities and sensitizing them about available opportunities.

General Manager, IDB Caribbean Country Department and Country Representative for Jamaica, Tariq Alli, commended the Government for embarking on the roadshow. He said it will promote the inclusion of MSMEs across the island while addressing several major challenges these enterprises face. These include managing intellectual property, meeting and maintaining standards, internationalization, export, and financing access.

“MSMEs are critical drivers of sustained economic and social development in Jamaica. Development cannot happen without their growth, and we hope that with such initiatives, this will help to make the life of entrepreneurs a little easier and support them as they seek financial success,” Mr. Alli said.

The plan is for the roadshow to begin in the Corporate Area in July before journeying to Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and Montego Bay. Discussions to expand the roadshow to other parishes are underway. Participating entities will be required to register via an electronic platform.

There are currently more than 4,000 MSMEs operating in Jamaica, and MSME sales account for 13.4% of government revenue or $220B in taxes. MSME actors account for 15% of Jamaica’s total population and 34% of Jamaica’s labour force.

WAYS TO WAYS TO INCREASE SALES INCREASE SALES FOR YOUR FOR YOUR BUSINESS! BUSINESS!

As a Business Owner, sales is always a top priority. Business is cyclical throughout the year as customers prioritize based on their needs. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to boost revenue and grow your business during the slow periods. We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to accomplish this.

Here are 5 ways to increase sales for your small business:

5 WAYS TO INCREASE SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS...

1. IMPROVE YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Good customer service can go a long way in increasing sales. A staff that is friendly and knowledgeable is crucial to maximizing sales. Ensure that they are also trained to handle customer complaints and issues. This will help you build a positive reputation and encourage customers to return to your business.

In addition, you can include personalized services, such as remembering customers' names and preferences, to make them feel valued and appreciated. You can also follow up with customers after their purchase to ensure their satisfaction and address any issues they may have.

2. USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Social Media can be a powerful tool for businesses. Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your products and services and engage with your customers. Consider running Social Media Sponsored Ads to reach new audiences and increase your visibility.

In addition to promoting your products and services, you can use social media to showcase your business's personality and values. Share behind-the-scenes photos and stories, highlight your team members, and share content your followers will find interesting and engaging.

5 WAYS TO INCREASE SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS...

3. INCREASE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses. Ensure your website is up-to-date and easy to navigate, and consider investing in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your visibility on search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

In addition to having a website, you can also use Email Marketing to keep your customers informed about your business and any promotions or events you may have.

4. ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS

Networking events can be a great way to meet potential customers and build relationships with other business owners in your community. Attend local events and meetups, and bring plenty of business cards to hand out!

In addition to attending events, you can also participate in online communities and forums related to your industry to connect with potential customers and learn from other business owners. By networking and building relationships, you can increase the visibility and credibility of your business, which can lead to more sales for your business.

5. OFFER DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS

One of the most effective ways to increase sales is to offer discounts and promotions. This can include sales, coupons, and other special offers to encourage customers to purchase. Offering discounts can also help you attract new customers and build loyalty among existing ones.

For example, you can offer discounts to customers who refer their friends to your business or customers who purchase a certain amount of products or services. You can also offer limited-time discounts or flash sales to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to take action.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase sales and grow your small business. Remember to track your progress and adjust your approach to achieve the best results. With the right strategies and tools, you can achieve your sales goals and take your business to the next level.

5 WAYS TO INCREASE SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

CAPACITY-BUILDING SUPPORT NOW AVAILABLE FOR MSMES UNDER GEMINI PROGRAMME... 1/2

Capacity-building support that will bolster the prospects of success for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is now available through the Growth and Expansion of MSMEs through the Innovation and Capacity-building (GEMINI) Grant pilot program.

The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) is implementing the initiative in collaboration with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

The Bank has allocated $100 million for the first year of implementation, which will cover 80% of the costs for MSMEs, up to a maximum of $800,000 per applicant.

It will enable beneficiary entities to improve their operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and access financing.

The program's pilot phase was launched during a ceremony at the DBJ’s head office in Kingston on Wednesday (May 31).

All participants, after onboarding, will be assessed, tiered according to their needs, provided with a work plan, and placed in one of JBDC’s business development programs.

Development of business plans, financial statements, and websites are among the various benefits to be expected.

GEMINI will also replace the DBJ’s Voucher for the Technical Assistance program, which ended in 2022.

“After close to 10 years of providing sterling service to the MSME community, the DBJ’s premier capacity-building program, the Voucher for Technical Assistance, came to an end last year, chiefly because we needed to restructure it and make it more relevant to the needs of the beneficiaries,” DBJ Managing Director, Anthony Shaw, said in his remarks at the launch.

He further noted that capacitybuilding support will be provided to MSMEs through the JBDC’s network of Small Business Development Centres (SBDC) islandwide.

For her part, JBDC Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Veira, who emphasized that MSMEs remain a backbone of the economy, said she anticipates success and growth for all participants in the GEMINI programme.

“We have gone through the whole programme, as it’s designed, and we’re now very confident that we’re at the point where we have a worthwhile, robust programme, that our MSMEs will benefit from,” she stated.

Meanwhile, DBJ General Manager, Hugh Grant, said approximately 1,000 participants are expected to opt-in to the programme and benefit from the JBDC’s subsidized development services.

BUSINESS

CAPACITY-BUILDING SUPPORT NOW AVAILABLE FOR MSMES UNDER GEMINI PROGRAMME... 2/2

He further indicated that of this amount, 100 are being targeted for financial aid and extensive guidance.

Additionally, Mr. Grant said that under the programme, “DBJ and JBDC will also work to expand [our] registry of consultants to provide better the diverse skill set and services needed by the MSMEs.”

To be eligible, MSMEs must be registered companies in Jamaica, be 51% owned by a local entrepreneur, be in operation for at least a year, and be required to provide a commitment letter to be a network client.

Interested persons can visit www.dbjgemini.com to apply.

Between 2018 and 2023, the DBJ supported more than 3,330 MSMEs with technical assistance and grants valued at more than $1.6 billion across six programmes, to build their capacity.

The most requested support includes training in digital services, business plans, financial statements, marketing and promotional plans, mentorship, and coaching.

BECOME EXPORT READY WITH JAMPRO... 1/2

Selling products to overseas markets is a dream for many local business owners, but the process can be quite daunting.

Thankfully, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) ‘Exportreadiness Checker’ is here to help entrepreneurs achieve those dreams. Developed to give businesses an idea of which market best suits their products based on their goals, the Checker is a self-assessment survey tool that contains 48 questions formulated to quickly assess the business and help to identify possible gaps before entering an overseas market.

Upon completing the survey and “if you get a particular score, then we will see you as a company that is set for export,” Interim Vice President of Exports at JAMPRO, Shane Angus, tells JIS News.

Mr. Angus says, “If you pass that, then we try to understand your business further. We look at your business model and see how it will play in different markets. If you have identified a market, we research to see if there is any demand for your product type.”

Once a suitable market is identified, the next step is finding the right distributor for the product. The Interim VP acknowledges that while “it’s best to go through a distributor who has an established channel that can move your product out,” as it is more cost-effective and less time-consuming, there are buyers who will contact the seller directly to purchase a product.

He advises sellers to ensure that they do a background check on these persons with whom they will be doing business, whether they are a distributor or buyer.

“Before you begin, make sure you do your due diligence on the persons you want to conduct business with. So, even if we introduce you to a distributor who might be interested in your product, we always tell you ‘trust, but verify’,” he says.

In addition to finding a suitable distributor, business owners are being encouraged to decide where they would want their products to be displayed in retail establishments once they enter the international market.

Mr. Angus explains that for products to be placed in supermarkets, this can be done in one of two segments –mainstream or ethnic aisle.

“Mainstream is where you find the ‘big boys’ play. So, if I am doing tea, for example, when you go into a supermarket, you [will] see aisle one has flour, sugar, etc., and aisle two has tea, coffee, and so on. When you walk in those areas, you have the big tea companies. They are fighting for that aisle… doing crazy, giving you three packs of tea for two dollars,” he states.

Speaking to the ethnic aisle, which is recommended for small businesses entering the market, he points out that not only does this aisle have better price margins, but it increases the chances of getting a product to the right buyers.

BECOME EXPORT READY WITH JAMPRO... 2/2

“You are appealing to the persons connected to your country because your capacity and budget cannot allow you to fight for space in the mainstream aisle. So, when you enter the ethnic aisle, you find that is where many of our products play,” Mr. Angus says.

He recommends that smaller businesses take advantage of the ethnic aisle as “our production capacity is not as big as [others] because we are probably selling one pack of tea for $2 or $3 while they are giving you three packs of tea for the same price.”

For new businesses entering the overseas market, a major part of the process, after completing the survey, and finding a distributor and market segment, is strategically promoting your products to potential customers.

“When we are trying to break products into the market, they will have a lot of market activities such as issuing samples at supermarkets or at events and telling potential customers where they can purchase a product,” Mr. Angus states.

“Marketing is a partnership between the distributor and the sellers here so they can understand how to play. Once you understand that you grow within that space, you may grow to the stage where you can now play in the big boy aisle,” he adds.

He mentions further that businesses must also decide whether a distributor will carry their product under their own brand or rebrand the product as the distributor’s own, a concept known as white labeling or co-packaging.

“So, you would have distributors now in the United States, and they will say that I want ackee, and I’m going to buy it from you, but I’m going to buy with my label,” he explains. Persons interested in exporting their products may visit the JAMPRO website at www.dobusinessjamaica.com or call (876) 618-3834 for further information.

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation was established as a statutory body under the JAMPRO Act of 1990 to promote business opportunities in export and investment to local and international markets.

NCB BOLSTERS SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMERS IN WESTERN JAMAICA

Vice President of Corporate and Commercial Banking at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB), Raymond Donaldson, says the resort city of Montego Bay is now becoming another hub for economic activity with a wide-scale diversification of industries in Jamaica.

Donaldson was recently speaking at a corporate mingle event hosted by NCB at the Half Moon Resort in Rose Hall, St James, for its Corporate and Commercial Banking customers.

"Montego Bay's economy has diversified beyond tourism to include emerging sectors such as construction, manufacturing, distribution, and agriculture,” Donaldson said.

“We see great potential for these businesses to expand regionally, and NCB is eager to support them in these ventures with tailored financing solutions and dedicated service. There is a demand for Jamaican products and services worldwide, and there presents a tremendous opportunity for our local businesses to tap into those markets and expand beyond our borders," he continued.

Introducing a team of newly installed Relationship Managers for its western region clientele, Donaldson noted, “Usually, our customers in western Jamaica are served by our Corporate and Commercial Banking officers in Kingston. But we see the nature of businesses changing in St James, and we want to ensure that our clients have a team on the ground to support them even better.”

CEO of NCB, Septimus ‘Bob’ Blake, also shared remarks at the event, noting that he was happy for the opportunity to connect with their business customers in western Jamaica face-to-face, a first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we may not have been here physically like today, we have been unwavering in supporting the local business community through the pandemic and beyond. In fact, more than 70% of all business loans disbursed in 2021 during the height of the pandemic went to businesses across all sectors, and principal moratoria was implemented for many clients at a time when revenues were at their lowest.” He further added, “we understood that business had to keep running, and ensured that we were right there to lend a hand in any way we could.”

CEO and founder of Bioprist, Dr Guna Muppuri, was also delighted at the opportunity to reconnect. “NCB is my bank, and I am very pleased. I'm also very happy that NCB has held this event, it is the largest and best event I've been to since COVID, and I was very happy to reconnect with my Bankers and other members of the Montego Bay business community,” Muppuri said.

The event saw key industry players from Manufacturing, Distribution, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Tourism, and Construction in attendance.

BIRD'S NEST SPICE RUBS are available AT THESE LOCATIONS:

PROGRESSIVE FOODS: FAIRVIEW, WHITTER VILLAGE, OCHO RIOS & SOVEREIGN VILLAGE

THE BUTCHER BLOCK GOURMET STORE: UPPER MANOR PARK PLAZA

SHOPPERS FAIR: SUPER SHOPPERS FAIR - BOULEVARD, WESTGATE

FONTANA PHARMACY: BARBICAN SQUARE, WATERLOO SQUARE

S FOODS JAMAICA SUPERMARKET: WORTHINGTON AVE., KINGSTON

GENERAL FOODS: OCHO RIOS, LIGUANEA PLAZA

LFA COUNTRY STORE SUPERMARKET: RICHMOND, ST. ANN

MANOR PARK PHARMACY: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON

BOOT GAS STATION: BOOT GREENWICH PARK, DRAX HALL

SOVEREIGN SUPERMARKET: HOPE ROAD, KINGSTON

BROOKLYN SUPERMARKET: HALFWAY TREE, KINGSTON

SUPER VALU FRESH FOODS: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON

LOSHUSAN SUPERMARKET, KINGS HOUSE RD, KINGSTON

JOHN R. WONG: TOBAGO AVE, NEW KINGSTON

LEE’S FOOD FAIR: RED HILLS RD., KINGSTON

HI-LO FOOD STORES, BARBICAN RD.

FAMILY PRIDE: HAVENDALE

THE COLLECTIVE 876: MAIN STREET, ROSE HALL