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At a time when many small businesses are struggling to survive in an increasingly competitive economy, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) is bringing together an impressive line-up of local and international experts to help entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient and sustainable enterprises.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, between 500 and 1,000 entrepreneurs, business owners and aspiring innovators are expected to converge at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for one of Jamaica’s largest one-day business conferences – the SBAJ Growth & Resilience Conference 2026.

Held under the theme, “Rebuilding the MSME Sector: A National Imperative for 2026 and Beyond,” the conference will provide practical strategies, expert guidance, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to help Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their operations, improve access to financing and position themselves for long-term success. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with the official opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m.

The conference comes against the backdrop of sobering global statistics, which show that while many of today’s largest companies began as small enterprises, approximately 20 per cent of MSMEs fail within their first year, nearly half close within five years, and only about one-third survive beyond a decade. These realities underscore the urgent need to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources and support required to grow sustainable businesses.

SBAJ President Garnett Reid said the conference forms a key part of the Association’s national strategy to strengthen Jamaica’s MSME sector and improve the long-term competitiveness of small businesses.

“The impact of MSMEs is anything but small. They account for approximately 80 per cent of Jamaica’s businesses and remain a major driver of economic growth, employment and innovation. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face significant challenges in accessing capital, strengthening their operations and navigating an increasingly complex business environment. Through this conference, we are providing practical solutions, valuable connections and expert guidance to help business owners become more resilient, more competitive and better positioned to seize new opportunities. When our small businesses succeed, Jamaica succeeds,” said the SBAJ President.

Among the distinguished guests scheduled to bring greetings at the opening ceremony are Michael Lee-Chin, Group Chairman of NCB; Mrs. Sancia Templer, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, representing Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Livingstone Morrison, OD, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange; Dr. David Lowe, Managing Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica; and Mark Golding, Financial Strategist and Leader of the Opposition.

Participants will benefit from presentations by leading business executives, financial specialists and policy experts covering critical issues affecting MSMEs, including: Formalising and strengthening business operations; Positioning businesses to access financing and investment; Understanding funding options and raising capital; Building effective risk management systems; Developing business continuity and resilience strategies; and Leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships for sustainable growth.

Featured presenters include Shellie Leon, Chief Executive Officer of the Companies Office of Jamaica; Dennise Williams, Financial Consultant and SBAJ Consultant; Norman Grant, First Vice-President of SBAJ; Stephen Price, Vice-President and General Manager of Flow Jamaica; Shulette Cox, President of JAMPRO; and Mark Golding, Business Investment Strategist and Leader of the Opposition, along with several other distinguished local and international experts.

While the conference is primarily geared towards SBAJ members, it is also open to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up founders, business executives and established MSME operators seeking practical solutions to grow and future-proof their enterprises.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives of leading financial institutions, capital market organisations, government agencies and business support organisations, creating valuable networking opportunities and potential strategic partnerships.

The conference is built around three strategic pillars—Formalisation, Funding and Financial Resilience—and is supported by organisations such as:  Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), National Commercial Bank (NCB), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), CIBC Caribbean, Companies Office of Jamaica, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and Jamaica Public Service (JPS).