The JMMB SME Resource Centre (SMEREC) recently hosted a mixer for 25 female Jamaican entrepreneurs who are a part of its newly established ‘PowHerful Women in Business’ programme, at its New Kingston offices.

These women-run small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a range of industries including: hospitality, media, food services, law, construction and educational services. 

Speaking at the recent event, Shani Duncan-Falconer, senior corporate SMERC manager, shared, “JMMB originated from the vision of a female entrepreneur, (co-founder, the late Joan Duncan). This is why we established JMMB’s SME Resource Centre – to equip our SMEs, you trailblazing women, with the tools and resources essential for establishing, growing, and scaling your businesses. We stand by you throughout your business lifecycle, so that you too can replicate the success of that JMMB has had growing a small investment house into a regional financial conglomerate. 

The six-month long programme is designed to empower female entrepreneurs to access the necessary support and financing to scale and grow their businesses successfully.

Additionally, it will foster the formation and deepening of business networks, providing opportunities for expansion and growth into new markets. These SMEs will benefit from an intensive programme which consists of: coaching sessions, accountability partnering and workshops on a range of topics including: marketing, personal branding, networking, strategic and business planning, accounting and financial management, among other key areas to drive business success. Additionally, SMEs will have access to mentorship and support to create and update business plans, marketing plans and financial statements.

Special offers for SMEs

Additionally, through JMMB Group, these SMEs will have access to financing at special rates, three months free rental of point-of-sale machines and special offering on other financial solutions namely: saving, retirement solutions and insurance.” 

The PowHerful Women in Business participants will also be able to take advantage of discounted services from a range of partners in the JMMB Group ecosystem including: Transformational Life Solutions, Sisters Ink, Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Bureau of Standards and Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA). 

This programme is part of JMMB Group’s strategic thrust to support SMEs by providing financial partnership, resources, innovative financial solutions, and a supportive network throughout their businesses’ life cycles. It complements previous gender-based lending initiatives and demonstrates the commitment to fill existing gaps in the financial sector.

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