Targeting entities in niche sectors such as software development, digital services, cybersecurity

Five technology firms have signed on to the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) accelerator project, which aims to build the capacity of local entities to access business opportunities in overseas markets and grow their revenue.

These are Bluedot Insights, MC Systems, Smart Mobile Solutions, ResolveIT Service Centre and Port Computer Services. A total of 20 participants are targeted for the first cohort of the Technology Innovation District (TID) Accelerator Project, which is targeting entities in niche sectors such as software development, digital services management, cybersecurity, and mobile and web app development.

It is being undertaken under component two of the Global Services Sector Project (GSSP) and is geared towards enabling Jamaica to advance along the global digital services value chain, support the growth of businesses and achieve sustainable economic growth for the country through the export of digital services. The programme seeks to establish Jamaica as the global services destination of choice.

Details of the project

Under the project, which is free of cost to tech firms, participants will receive customized coaching, mentoring, training and exposure to international markets through business missions, particularly to North America, which is a key market targeted under the initiative. These international entities would have already been evaluated to determine their level of interest in doing business with and outsourcing tech work to Jamaican companies.

The TID Accelerator Project is being executed by JAMPRO under a five-year loan from the Inter-American Development Bank, as part of strategic interventions to promote growth of the GSSP. Participating firms will undergo a needs assessment to determine gaps, and from that assessment, a business profile will be developed along with capacity-building activities to address these issues.

The programme will be delivered via a virtual platform. Entities must be registered in Jamaica, tax compliant, have been in operation for at least three years, and have a minimum of five employees in the organization.

For registration and other information, persons can visit JAMPRO’s website. The launch of the TID Accelerator Project will help Jamaica diversify and strengthen its export of services at a higher level in the value chain. Jamaica has made significant progress with BPO (business process outsourcing) and global digital services.

Strengthening institutional capacity

President of JAMPRO, Shullette Cox explains that the key objective of the project is to strengthen the institutional capacity of select global digital services firms to attract investments and increase exports. “The technology accelerator project seeks to establish an ecosystem to support the development of tech companies that are scalable, ready for acceleration, so that they may be able to successfully deliver exportable digital services,” she notes.

Cox emphasizes that the project is a critical pillar under the GSSP, which is aimed at promoting growth in the sector, particularly in higher-value segments. For her part, TID Accelerator Zone Manager, Tastey Blackman states that the initiative will enable participating firms to scale their operations and gain access to international markets.

According to her, “the vision of the TID is really to help our local tech firms achieve their corporate goals and to grow their businesses and to expand into exports of services. Our mission is really to provide the enabling capacity to build the firms, close gaps and get [them] ready to take on the bigger, wider, international markets.”