With hundreds of manufacturers and small producers still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) has announced a J$10 million Hurricane Melissa MSME Recovery Grant Fund to support the recovery and stabilisation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the productive sector.

Hurricane Melissa tore through the island on Tuesday, October 28, sharply disrupting Jamaica’s productive sector. MSMEs across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Manchester, Trelawny, and St James suffered catastrophic losses from destroyed factory spaces and damaged equipment to spoiled inventory and prolonged power outages.

For some manufacturers, production has been halted entirely.

JMEA President Kathryn Silvera said the grant programme represents “an urgent and necessary lifeline” for Jamaica’s most vulnerable producers. “What we are seeing on the ground is not just damaged buildings, it is damaged livelihoods,” said Silvera. “Some of our smallest manufacturers are facing total shutdown. This fund is designed to keep doors open, protect jobs, and ensure that Jamaica’s productive capacity is not permanently weakened by a single disaster.”

The J$10 million grant programme will support MSMEs across three priority categories:

Category A: Raw Material Support

To replenish essential inputs such as packaging, raw materials, and components that were lost or contaminated.

Category B: Rebuilding & Infrastructure Support

To assist with repairs to roofs, factory floors, shelving, electrical and plumbing systems, and other structural damage.

Category C: Solar & Energy Resilience Support

To help businesses invest in portable solar systems, generators, lighting kits, and backup solutions that reduce vulnerability to future energy disruptions.

JMEA Executive Director Kamesha Blake said the programme was carefully designed to deliver fast and targeted support that directly responds to the needs expressed by affected members.

Blake said, “Our members have shared countless stories about the orders they cannot fulfil, the inventory they have lost, and the employees whose jobs may be at risk. This fund ensures that relief reaches the businesses most in need and that support is tied to clear recovery actions that will restore production as quickly as possible.”

Eligible applicants must be JMEA members operating within manufacturing, agro-processing, or export-related services and must meet the MSME Policy criteria. Members must also demonstrate significant operational impact or risk of closure without short-term assistance.

Applications will be assessed using a structured scoring system that examines the severity of community impact, the applicant’s role in the supply chain, the type of goods and services provided, evidence of need, and the strength of the recovery plan.

Blake said the fund is intended to support both recovery and long-term resilience.
Kamesha Blake said, “The aim is not only to restore operations but to build stronger businesses capable of withstanding future shocks. We want our MSMEs to be more resilient, more energy secure, and better positioned to protect jobs and supply chains.”

Silvera emphasised that the recovery of MSMEs is critical to national stability.
Kathryn Silvera said, “Every small manufacturer that closes affects an entire community. This support is not only about business continuity but about safeguarding families, jobs, and Jamaica’s long-term economic growth.”

Applications are open immediately and will be processed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated. The JMEA is inviting private sector partners to join in expanding the pool of recovery support.