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Jamaican small businesses are set to benefit from greater access to digital tools, cybersecurity support and technology training under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Liberty Business and the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ).

The signing took place on Tuesday, July 28, at Flow’s corporate offices in Kingston.

Charles Manus, Senior Director of Liberty Business, said the partnership is designed to give small businesses access to some of the same digital capabilities increasingly being used by larger organisations to improve productivity, customer engagement and competitiveness.

“Technology is changing how businesses operate and how customers expect to engage with them, and small businesses cannot afford to be left behind,” said Manus. 

“This partnership is about making those tools more accessible and giving entrepreneurs practical solutions they can use to build their businesses, improve customer engagement and operate more securely.”

Under the partnership, eligible SBAJ members who subscribe to a qualifying Liberty Business broadband package will receive free installation and their choice of three digital business solutions at no charge for six months.

These solutions include a professional business website and online store, a custom business email domain, digital marketing solutions, digital helpdesk services, secure cloud storage and cybersecurity protection.

Liberty Business and the SBAJ will also work together to encourage innovation and digital adoption while providing educational opportunities through workshops, seminars, webinars and training sessions.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, micro, small and medium enterprises represent approximately 90 per cent of all businesses in Jamaica, account for 82 per cent of employment and contribute 28 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. 

Digital technology has also been identified as a key driver of growth for small businesses by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Against that background, the partnership comes at a favourable time as Flow continues to expand the capabilities available to Jamaican businesses through its recently launched 5G mobile network. 

The increased speed, responsiveness and capacity of 5G can help small businesses adopt more advanced digital tools, communicate more effectively with customers and employees, and complete online transactions and other data-intensive activities more efficiently.

SBAJ President Garnet Reid said the partnership has the potential to make technology adoption more achievable for small businesses at a time when digital capability is becoming increasingly important to their growth.

“For many small businesses, the challenge is having access to the right solutions, expertise and support at a cost that makes sense for their business,” Reid said. 

“This partnership helps to close that gap. It gives our members an opportunity to strengthen their digital presence, improve efficiency, protect their businesses and ultimately put themselves in a stronger position to grow.”

The partnership further supports Liberty Business’ broader evolution from a traditional connectivity provider into a digital solutions partner, providing businesses of all sizes with the digital infrastructure, tools and expertise needed to scale successfully.