As Jamaican small businesses continue to rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) is stepping up with a timely membership meeting designed to accelerate economic renewal through export growth.

The session, featuring Scott Renner, Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, representatives from the Jamaica Trade Board and EXIM Bank, will focus on “U.S. Market Export Opportunities & Business Visas” – a critical toolkit for businesses ready to turn recovery into resilience.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at EXIM Bank, 85 Hope Road, Kingston. SBAJ President Mr Garnett Reid, speaking on the urgency of export-led recovery, said: “Hurricane Melissa tested us like never before, but Jamaican entrepreneurs don’t break – we build back stronger. Exporting to the U.S. isn’t just a dream for big companies anymore. It’s a real, achievable boost for small businesses right now. I urge every small business operator with export-ready products or services to attend this meeting. Let’s turn the disruption of this storm into the momentum for our greatest growth chapter yet.”

SBAJ Secretary & Membership Director Mr Kevin Frith added: “We know many of you are still counting losses and cleaning up, but opportunity is knocking. The U.S. market is hungry for Jamaican products – from food and beverages to crafts and professional services. This session with Charge d’Affaires Renner, the Jamaica Trade Board and the EXIM Bank will show you exactly how to navigate visas, export financing, compliance, and certification. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Come learn, connect, and take that first step toward exporting your way to a more profitable, more secure future.”

What Attendees Will Learn:

• U.S. Embassy (Scott Renner): Business visa categories for trade missions, client meetings, and exporter travel
• Jamaica Trade Board: Export certification, compliance with U.S. regulations, and market entry procedures for Jamaican MSMEs
• EXIM BANK: Export financing options to support post-storm rebuilding and scaling

The session is part of the SBAJ’s ongoing “Empowering Jamaican Businesses for Global Success” initiative, which has taken on renewed urgency following the hurricane’s widespread disruption to local supply chains and infrastructure.

 With the United States as Jamaica’s largest trading partner, expanding exports is one of the most effective ways for MSMEs to recover lost income, create jobs, and build back with greater economic resilience.