Investment Ministry awards J$3 million in grants to Westmoreland MSMEs at business roadshow

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Minister of Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill (centre), shares a moment with Permanent Secretary Sancia Bennett Templer (right), and Nayaatha Taitt, sector specialist from Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), at the MSME Business Roadshow held in Westmoreland on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (Photo: Contributed)

The Ministry of Investment and Commerce delivered the eighth staging of its flagship MSME Business
Roadshow at The Manning’s School in Westmoreland last Wednesday (June 18).

The initiative was delivered in strategic partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
and supported by public and private sector sponsors.

A total of J$3 million in grants was awarded through the Micro and Small Business Pitch Competitions, with five small business winners receiving J$400,000 each and five micro business winners receiving J$200,000 each.

These awards were raised from previous smaller amounts and reflect a deliberate government commitment to supporting business expansion, driving digital adoption, and accelerating Jamaica’s export capacity.

The roadshow, according to the ‘business ministry’, attracted approximately 200 MSMEs, representing a wide cross-section of Jamaica’s productive sectors, including arts, manufacturing, craft, ICT services, entertainment, agriculture and agro-processing, professional and technical services, and wholesale and retail trade.

There were 40 separate exhibitors who showcased a wide range of products from fresh farm produce, jewellery, beauty products, agro-processed products and novel ICT services

Delivering the keynote remark, portfolio minister Aubyn Hill issued a bold call to Jamaican entrepreneurs and business owners.

Minister of Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill, delivers his keynote remarks during the opening ceremony at the MSME Business Roadshow at The Mannings School in Westmoreland, on June 18, 2025. (Photo: Contributed)

“Micro, small and medium-sized businesses, you are central to Jamaica’s economic future. I encourage every entrepreneur in Westmoreland and across Jamaica to increase your productivity. You must create high-quality goods and services for export, and build strong partnerships with local companies. I invite all to join in this noble national effort to cement our political independence with robust and sustained economic independence.”

A main feature of the day was the MSME Expo Village, where, in addition to the 40 MSMEs showcasing their products and services to the public, the Tech Corner allowed 10 businesses to demonstrate digital tools and solutions designed to boost efficiency and competitiveness.

Live demonstrations ranging from pottery and canvas painting to handbag crafting and jewellery making highlighted the creativity and economic potential of Westmoreland’s artisans and innovators.

All 20 agencies and departments under the ,inistry were on-site, providing hands-on access to Government services including financing, registration of companies, export readiness, digital support, and training opportunities such as those offered through Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) – one of the ministry’s agencies – and funded by the EU’s Digital Jamaica Programme.

The roadshow also facilitated targeted B2B networking and engagement with private sector companies, including financial institutions actively seeking to support the MSME community.

Dr. (Maj. Ret’d) Hugh Blake, CEO of The Trade Board Limited, and Ms. Malika Pottinger, Director of Export, speak with a local honey MSME owner at the MSME Business Roadshow at The Mannings School in Westmoreland on June 18, 2025. (Photo: Contributed)

The Westmoreland leg of the Roadshow was delivered with key support from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

The next stop on the MSME Business Roadshow is scheduled for Manchester in July.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, through its 20 agencies and departments, is committed to empowering Jamaican entrepreneurs, driving innovation, and building a competitive economy that delivers lasting prosperity for all Jamaicans.