The JMMB Group has joined the Development Bank of Jamaica’s (DBJ’s) M5 Business Recovery Programme, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Jamaican businesses in rebuilding, stabilising and growing stronger in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The J$10 billion M5 Programme was launched by the DBJ as a strategic national intervention to assist micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by the devastating effects of the hurricane. Designed to restore operations, rebuild capacity and sustain long-term business continuity, the programme provides access to concessional financing, working capital and credit support through approved financial institutions (AFIs). 

JMMB’s participation in the initiative expands access to these critical resources, enabling more businesses to benefit from reduced-cost financing and structured recovery support.

Kevin Foreman, Country SME Relationship Specialist at JMMB Bank, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting, “This collaboration is about creating real impact for our SME clients who were affected by Hurricane Melissa. Through the M5 Programme, we are able to offer access to lower-cost funding and support them in refinancing existing high-cost facilities or accessing new capital to stabilise and grow their businesses. It’s an important step in helping our clients get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” 

Developed in response to widespread business disruption across key sectors, the M5 Programme was informed by extensive consultations with financial institutions, industry groups and affected enterprises following the hurricane. The initiative is structured around three key pillars, Refinance, Reboot and Rebuild, which collectively address immediate liquidity challenges, operational continuity and long-term recovery needs. 

Participating businesses can access financing of up to J$50 million, with competitive terms including fixed interest rates of approximately 8 per cent, flexible repayment structures and extended tenures of up to 10 years. These features are specifically designed to ease financial pressure, improve cash flow and accelerate recovery. 

The programme also supports a wide range of business needs, including refinancing existing debt, replenishing inventory, covering operational expenses such as payroll and utilities, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. By addressing both immediate and long-term requirements, the M5 Programme aims to strengthen resilience across Jamaica’s productive sectors and safeguard jobs. 

Foreman added, “At JMMB, we see this as more than just financing; it’s about partnership. By combining the M5 Programme with the processes, client relationships, and support available through SME Resource Centre, we are able to deliver faster access to funding and more meaningful support, ensuring our clients can recover and move forward with confidence.” 

The addition of JMMB Bank as an approved financial institution (AFI) underscores the ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive recovery and strengthen Jamaica’s economic foundation in the wake of natural disaster.

As recovery efforts continue, JMMB remains committed to working alongside its SME clients, providing not only access to capital, but also guidance, partnership and solutions that support long-term growth and resilience.