Clarendon Entrepreneurs Secure J$3 million in Grants at MIIC MSME Business Roadshow

A total of J$3million in grants was awarded to 10 outstanding winners of the Business Pitch Competition at the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce’s (MIIC) MSME Business Roadshow held on February 20, 2025 at the Juici Empowerment Park.

The event hosted in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), demonstrated the Government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs growth across Jamaica.

Minister Hill Urges Entrepreneurs to Think Global Delivering the keynote address, Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, encouraged Jamaican entrepreneurs to aim higher and think globally.

“Jamaican entrepreneurs must export more. Three million people live in Jamaica, but hundreds of millions lie beyond our shores—ready markets waiting for our products and services. This Government stands ready to guide you, fund you with the assistance of our partners, and connect you to international markets through our dedicated agencies and initiatives.” declared Minister Hill.

Minister Hill further emphasised that the Roadshow is a transformative marketplace for MSMEs to access financing, partnerships, and new market opportunities.

This edition of the roadshow welcomed Mastercard as a Title Sponsor offering participants innovative digital payment solutions, allowing vendors to accept card payments via their phones, with seamless bank transfers.

A Hub of Opportunity for MSMEs

The event featured a vibrant MSME Village at The Verandah in the Juici Empowerment Park, featuring 24 entrepreneurs displaying their products and services. Nineteen MIIC agencies and supporting public and private organisations including the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), HEART/NSTA Trust, the Development Bank of Jamaica, Hi-Pro, ATL Automotive Group, Jamalco, and Pepsi provided vital support to the business community. The Companies Office of Jamaica also processed business registrations and renewals, making it easier for Clarendon entrepreneurs to formalise their business.

MSMEs also benefited from three interactive knowledge-sharing sessions aptly titled: “Get the Link: Exploring strategies to boost MSME engagement with large businesses”; “Access to Affordable Financing: Attracting, Maintaining & Making that Bang for the Buck”; and “Tech Talk: How to monetise social media and leverage digital technology tools to expand your business and increase productivity”.

Spotlight on Pitch Competition Winners

The Business Pitch Competition drew 72 applications, with 20 finalists presenting innovative strategies to a panel of judges. Annakay Lowe-Stultz of Total Care Wellness was the most outstanding pitch presenter and secured a J$400,000 grant from MIIC.

Among the other recipients of J$400,000 were Donald Smith of Smith’s Rum Cream; Citerina Atkins of Gerty’s Agro-Produce; Joseph Smith of Aunt Delcie Spices; and Nicola Johnson of PBAS Limited. Whilst Michelle T. Greenland from Adult Assisted Living Limited T/A The Doris Clifford Center; Jovan Miller of PolyCloud Interactive; Romeo Mitchell of Paradise Blends; Shellivie Smith of GKK Farm and Essentials; and Anissa Hibbert of R&A Poultry and More each received J$200,000 in grant funding.

Next Stop: St. Elizabeth Phase 2 of the MIIC MSME Business Roadshow concludes at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz on Thursday, March 6, 2025, where another 10 entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive grant funding. A new feature of this leg will be a Farmers’ Market, showcasing the parish’s rich agricultural produce from Jamaica’s breadbasket parish. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to register early by visiting roadshow.miic.gov.jm.

Source: JIS