In only seven years of operation, the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) has attained significant successes and boasts a reputation as one of Jamaica's most outstanding small business development agencies.
I welcome this opportunity of commending the organisation on the significant impact it has made on the Jamaican small business landscape and its contribution to the growth and development of many individuals and businesses, as well as the country at large.
Over the years, the small business sector has emerged as a critical and viable group; and is one of the vehicles that will drive the growth and development agenda of our country. It is important that we develop a culture and vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and create an environment that will instil excitement and optimism in our people - especially our young people, about entrepreneurship, as a viable and worthwhile career option. This Government gives its commitment that, over time, provisions will be made for improved access to financing, incentives, technical expertise and business development services to small businesses. We recognise that many of these businesses offer high job-creation potential and we are determined to foster an environment where they can flourish and thrive.
Doors of opportunity
The current globalised environment and the Caricom Single Market (CSM) have opened doors of opportunity and presented a wider global market space, in which many individuals and businesses can operate. We must facilitate and lend the necessary support to these small businesses, in order to enable them to capitalise on the benefits that will accrue from a more expanded and competitive market but also be buttressed against any onslaught of challenges, which must certainly arise, if they are ill-equipped to compete and operate efficiently.
As you celebrate your seventh anniversary, I encourage you to remain committed to the development of our people and country and wish for you continued success in all your future endeavours.
Bruce Golding
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Earning confidence, respect over the years
The Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) was established seven years ago as one of the premier business support organisations in Jamaica. Since then, the centre has earned the confidence and respect of its clients and funding institutions alike. Through its combination of products, services, publications and expert referrals, the JBDC has ensured that its clients, the majority being small, medium and micro enterprises, have ready access to appropriate and comprehensive business information and relevant services.
In the context of business facilitation, the organisation provides a single point of contact to a wide range of information on government services, programmes and regulations. This has proven effective in reducing the problems associated with the complexity of dealing with various levels of government institutions and the resultant bureaucratic delays.
The Government is now giving momentum to the establishment of small business incubators to provide integrated and coordinated financial and operational support services to these enterprises. Through programmed interventions, micro and small businesses will be provided with the resources required to correct their organisational weaknesses, avoid costly mistakes and minimise business failure. In addition, the Government will support increased access to the local market and facilitate the promotion of Jamaican products abroad.
In this regard, the JBDC has a most critical role. In congratulating the JBDC on the achievement of its seventh anniversary, we are confident that the organisation will be further energised to contribute to the realisation of our objectives to grow the Jamaican economy, generate jobs and enhance the quality of life of our people.
Karl Samuda
Minister of Industry, Commerce
Supporting small business development
The Jamaica Business Development Centre has been championing the development of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector since it began operations seven years ago. It is common knowledge that any country that strengthens its small business sector ultimately contributes to the strengthening and growth of that country's economy. With the current economic and social challenges being faced by Jamaica, it is critical that the MSME sector be given the support it needs to be the catalyst for sustained growth.
JBDC is honoured to be leading the revolution. It is a challenge with which JBDC is familiar with. The organisation has gained confidence through support provided to more than 4,000 entrepreneurs. To them, we have provided uncompromising first-class service.
To ensure that the most efficient and effective support is provided, the Centre continues to
expand its range of services to match the increased needs of its client base and to ensure the objectives of growth and development are achieved. To this end, this year the JBDC will be:
Establishing an incubator/resource centre.
Presenting its inaugural Small Business Exposition, under the theme: 'Today's Business for Tomorrows growth'.
Continuing to identify appropriate funding to aid entrepreneurship development.
Designing and presenting workshops and courses to strengthen the capacity of MSME enterprises.
I am excited by the prospects and heartened by the confidence that has been vested in us by the minister with portfolio responsibility for this sector. This confidence is well placed, and the board of directors stands ready to assist the staff and management of JBDC as they assiduously pursue their mandate of supporting small business development in Jamaica.
Hearty congratulations to the JBDC for its accomplish-ments thus far.
Cleveland Stewart
Chairman
'Itching' to grow more
To say JBDC is experiencing the traditional 'seven-year itch' would be accurate. A translation of this would be that as we complete seven years of serving our clients, we are indeed 'itching' to expand and enrich the package of services the organisation provides.
Since April 2001 when the doors were officially opened at 14 Camp Road, challenges experienced by JBDC and clients have stimulated the team to develop creative solutions which have served to advance the mission of MSME development. Acknowledgement of the significance of the sector is demonstrated, for instance, in the development in the financial sector focused on the group.
As JBDC prepares for further advancement of its programme, there are many partners who have been a significant part of our process. Members of the international community such as the IADB, USAID, UNDP, Embassy of Japan, Indian High Commission and the European Union have provided funding and expert guidance. The Small Business Administration (Washington) has shared its experience and expertise. Our local partners such as Jamaica Trade and Invest, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, Bureau of Standards, Companies Office of Jamaica, Tax Administration, HEART/NTA have all contributed to our programme.
As the JBDC team celebrates its seventh anniversary, we are cognisant of the awesome responsibility of leading the development of the MSME sector.
We are committed to continuously searching for appropriate solutions for our clients and to strengthening the linkages with our partners. We continue to ask 'How Can We Help You'.
Valerie Veira, JP
Chief Executive Officer
Congratulations JBDC!
The Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) is proud of its affiliation with the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), especially as they celebrate their seventh year as a dedicated business facilitator.
The JMA has stayed true to its mandate to promote the productive sector and the JBDC has been instrumental in assisting us to accomplish this goal through joint initiatives. Of significance was our collaboration to revive the local uniform subsector of the textile and apparel Industry, which was a resounding success.
JBDC's Things Jamaican project has also provided a significant boost to the Jamaican brand and was an ingenious step to combine the Jamaican culture and experience, to provide quality end products.
In the last decade, increased attention has been given to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME's) that act as a vehicle for economic growth and overall national development, thanks to JBDC's vision and support. It is necessary for other organisations to adopt the strategy of being facilitative to MSMEs to ensure the sustainability of the business sector.
JBDC's motto, 'How can we help you?', is indicative of their commitment to providing solutions for the business community and assistance which will facilitate business development. The JMA congratulates JBDC on this their seventh anniversary and pledges continued support as this astute company works to promote the growth and development of MSMEs in Jamaica.
Omar Azan
President
Relentless commitment
We applaud the team at the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) on the great achievement of their seventh anniversary. The JBDC has been charged with the mission of developing the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica and their commitment to that goal has been relentless.
The JBDC has assisted over 2,000 companies throughout their tenure, with technical advice, consultancy and training. This has resulted in not only the growth of many of the companies in the MSME sector, but the establishment of many viable small businesses that are now able compete in the global marketplace.
Within the context of globalisation and its attendant challenges, the development and strengthening of our MSME sector is critical as, ultimately, it leads to the creation of employment, the fostering of entrepreneurial skills, and the enhancement of business competitiveness. All these factors, coupled with an effective business support framework, contribute to a sustainable economy.
It is against this background that the European Union and Government of Jamaica-funded Private Sector Development Programme has been established to provide an integrated package of assistance targeted at improving the business performance and global competitiveness of MSMEs, as well as strengthening their intermediary support organisations. The JBDC is a key partner involved in the implementation of the programme which has resulted in the disbursement of grants to a number of their clients as well as the support and mobilisation of clusters in the fashion, wellness and authentic gift and craft sectors.
Additionally, the JBDC is integrally involved in the rollout of the enterprise rating and upgrading component of the programme and the setting up of business information points (BIPS) islandwide. The BIPs provide a one-stop shop for MSMEs to access critical information and advisory services to address specific business needs
We are proud to be associated with a dedicated organisation that shares our vision and congratulate the JBDC for their commitment and service to the successful implementation of the PSDP and our country, Jamaica.
