For the second year, the Ministry of Investment and Commerce (MIIC) is inviting entrepreneurs to its MSME Business Roadshow, which kicks off next Thursday (January 16), at the Twickenham Park Church of the Open Bible in St. Catherine.

In partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the roadshow is designed to equip micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners with the opportunity for strategic networking, access to
financing and digital technological solutions all tailored to strengthen their businesses and increase
productivity.

Portfolio minister Senator Aubyn Hill emphasised the importance of this initiative in strengthening Jamaica’s MSME sector.

“Our MSME sector plays a very vital role in Jamaica’s economy,” stated Hill. “The MSME Business Roadshow empowers entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to grow their businesses, improve productivity, and expand into new markets. The ministry and its 20 agencies are committed to creating an environment where Jamaican businesses can grow, expand and succeed through strategic initiatives, collaboration, and targeted support.”

The event will feature over 15 booths offering valuable insights, services, and guidance from departments and agencies associated with the ministry. The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will provide comprehensive assistance and end-to-end support from concept to implementation.

This year, the roadshow will feature micro- and small-business pitch competitions, offering cash
grants of J$200,000 and J$400,000 respectively to five businesses in each category, to help
participants improve their operations.

They will also gain insights on preparing for international export markets from the Jamaica Promotions
Corporation (JAMPRO) and Trade Board Limited, while the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will provide expertise on safeguarding intellectual property rights.

This year, the MSME Business Roadshow is heading to several locations. Beginning at Twickenham
Park, the initiative is set to also make stops at the JUICI Empowerment Centre in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth Technical High School, Santa Cruz.

Entrepreneurs can register for the roadshow at roadshow.miic.gov.jm.

The roadshow’s inaugural staging in 2023 brought MIIC, its partners and sponsors to four locations — Mandeville, Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay — engaging over 1,200 MSMEs and showcasing 155 MSME exhibitions. During these events, 12 MSMEs excelled in the business pitch competition and benefitted from grant funding totalling J$3.6 million, courtesy of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

Ten micro-entrepreneurs benefitted from tailored business development support from the JBDC and JAMPRO to enhance and grow their business operations, including preparing for entry into export markets.

Unparalleled benefits

The MSME Business Roadshow will gather business owners, industry experts, and other key stakeholders to address vital topics such as financing, marketing strategies, and technology adoption — to drive the growth of Jamaican MSME sector. It will also feature over 20 entrepreneurs in the MSME Village displaying their goods and services.

The entrepreneurs can also access support from other government agencies, financial institutions
and private sector sponsors, including the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) through its Community Renewal Programme (CRP); HEART/NSTA Trust; Development Bank of Jamaica Limited; Jamaica Broilers Group; Jamalco; Pepsi; and Appliance Traders Limited (ATL).

“The MSME Business Roadshow is a transformative initiative and thus, by fostering innovation, job creation, and local entrepreneurship, the Roadshow serves as a critical driver of economic development and aligns with Jamaica’s broader goals of sustainable growth and prosperity,” explained Charmaine Brimm, technical specialist of socio-economic development at the PIOJ.