KINGSTON, JAMAICA; FEBRUARY 19, 2025: Balloons are big business in Central Jamaica, thanks to Shadine Salmon and her Xquisite Events. Through her artistry, she creates beautiful decorations for corporate events, gender reveals, weddings, christenings, and engagement parties. Her three-year-old business has enjoyed significant revenue growth since claiming one-of-three Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce (MIIC)Continue reading “Shadine Salmon pumps $300K of MIIC 2023 MSME Business Pitch Grant into Xquisite Events”
Author Archives: donovan.saunches
Export dream realised for Paris Ruby Gourmet Cakes
KINGSTON, JAMAICA; February 19, 2025: In November 2024, Zelecia Smith sent her first monumental package — 170 Paris Ruby Gourmet fruitcakes to Florida. Paris Ruby Gourmet, Smith’s micro, home-based operation, has become an international export success story. Her inaugural shipment has placed her cakes on the shelves of Broward Meat and Fish Company in Margate, Florida, markingContinue reading “Export dream realised for Paris Ruby Gourmet Cakes”
All roads lead to Clarendon for MSME Business Roadshow
Juici Empowerment Park hosts 2nd entrepreneur showcase for 2025 KINGSTON, JAMAICA; WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025: The Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, is set to host the second MSME Business Roadshow for 2025 at Juici Empowerment Park, Clarendon, on February 20. This initiative continues MIIC’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and businessContinue reading “All roads lead to Clarendon for MSME Business Roadshow”
MSMEs Encouraged to Utilise JBDC’s Suite of Business Development Programmes and Services
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is encouraging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) islandwide to utilise the entity’s innovative suite of programmes and services to enhance their growth and digital readiness. Of these, the Growth and Expansion of MSMEs through Innovation and Capacity-building (GEMINI) Programme emerges as a transformative initiative designed to support businessesContinue reading “MSMEs Encouraged to Utilise JBDC’s Suite of Business Development Programmes and Services”
COJ registers over 23,000 business entities last year
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) is reporting that more than 23,000 new business entities were registered last year; a nine per cent increase compared to 2023. The COJ says the increase underscores the confidence felt by entrepreneurs in doing business in Jamaica. The agency says its commitment to increasing the levelContinue reading “COJ registers over 23,000 business entities last year”
JSEZA to Eliminate Annual Renewals of Operating Certificates
Effective April 1, 2025, the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) will revise the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework to make provisions for the elimination of annual renewals of SEZ Operating Certificates for Developers and Occupants. Under the revised framework, Operating Certificates for Developers will now extend for the duration of the licence agreement, whileContinue reading “JSEZA to Eliminate Annual Renewals of Operating Certificates”
Industry Minister Wants More MSMEs Listed on Junior Market of Stock Exchange
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, says he wants to see more micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) listed on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange this year. He also urged MSMEs to take advantage of the recent amendment of the Income Tax Act, which allows companies toContinue reading “Industry Minister Wants More MSMEs Listed on Junior Market of Stock Exchange”
HEART/NSTA Trust Providing Millions in Grant Assistance to MSMEs
The HEART/NSTA Trust has provided $21.9 million in grant assistance to entrepreneurs during the 2024/25 financial year. Of the total, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) received $8.4 million, while $13.4 million went towards supporting trainee start-ups. “This ensures sustained financial support to empower entrepreneurs,” said Executive Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton.Continue reading “HEART/NSTA Trust Providing Millions in Grant Assistance to MSMEs”
Trade Administrator Calls for Strengthened Collaboration to Streamline Processes
Trade Administrator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Trade Board Limited, Dr. (Maj. Ret’d) Hugh Blake, has called for strengthened international collaboration to streamline trade processes, enhance digital infrastructure and harmonise regulatory standards. Speaking at the recent World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China, Dr. Blake highlighted how nations can work together to enhance these collaborative efforts, paving theContinue reading “Trade Administrator Calls for Strengthened Collaboration to Streamline Processes”
BSJ Targeting Reactivation of Aggregates Technical Committee
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is working to reactivate its Aggregates Technical Committee. This forms part of efforts to address growing concerns regarding the condition of a number of roads islandwide. Senior BSJ Standards Development Officer, Shane Slater, told JIS News that the committee will comprise representatives of key stakeholder groups, including government agencies,Continue reading “BSJ Targeting Reactivation of Aggregates Technical Committee”
