JBDC Signs Two Official Partnership Agreements

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn (centre), along with (from left) Board Chairman, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Dr. William Lawrence; Caribbean Business Consultant, CIAL Dun & Bradstreet, Kavin Hewitt; Chief Executive Officer, JBDC, Valerie Veira; Director, University College of the Caribbean Business Development and Consulting Institute/University College of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Reginad Nugent; Chief Executive Officer, Spectrum Capital Partners Ltd., UCC Group of Companies, Keith Luck; and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, JBDC, Harold Davis, at the JBDC, Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston, on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The JBDC signed two partnership agreements with CIAL Dun & Bradstreet and also the University College of the Caribbean, which will seek to further the growth and development of MSMEs.

As part of the commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2020, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), today inked two official partnership agreements with international firm, CIAL Dun & Bradstreet, and the University College of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), which seek to further the growth and development of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

GEW 2020, which is being celebrated under the theme, IDEATE. INNOVATE. ACTIVATE, seeks to highlight crucial points along the entrepreneur’s journey from ideation to innovation through to activation.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony at the JBDC Incubator & Resource Centre, 76 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston on Wednesday, November 18, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. Hon. Norman Dunn, commended the JBDC on forging the two partnership agreements.

“The ministry welcomes these kinds of partnerships. Partnerships such as these are critical to Jamaica’s growth and development. We applaud the JBDC for its foresight in forging these partnerships in such a challenging time. You must remain focused on your mandate and actively engage the varying industries in an effort to assist them with transitioning into a post COVID-19 era, and identifying new ideas,” Minister Dunn said.

He noted that entrepreneurship represents the lifeblood of business and is an important driver of economic growth and job creation, and that the Government is committed to the growth and development our MSMEs.

In her remarks, Chief Executive Director of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, Valerie Veira, said that the agreement between CIAL Dun & Bradstreet is significant at this time as the organization has earned a reputation for helping businesses to survive financial panic, recessions and pandemics for approximately 178 years.

“We believe this added support is crucial for the continued development and capacity building for MSMEs in Jamaica, as we move from panic and back to passion during COVID-19. JBDC also welcomes the UCC as another partner in Small Business Development (SBDC) Network, joining several other local entities which have already officially entered the Network,” said the Chief Executive Officer.

Chief Executive Director, CIAL Dun & Bradstreet, USA, Joe Cohen, said he was happy to share in the partnership with the JBDC, and that the level of sincerity that the organization has put into the engagement from the onset is both inspiring and appreciative.

“It is organizations like yours that is supporting the economy and companies across the Caribbean, and of course Jamaica is truly maximizing its opportunity and potential,” he noted.

For his part, Director, Business Development & Consulting Institute, University College of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Reginald Nugent, noted that the partnership between the UCC Business Development and Consulting Institute and the UCC Small Business Development Centre, will seek to become a key player in supporting the growth and development of entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

“The rollout of the National SBDC Network reflects the Government’s commitment to adopting and implementing the USA SBDC model. It is without a doubt that becoming a member of the family of the National SBDC Network is a critical step for the UCC, as it seeks to meet the needs of its stakeholders beyond its immediate academic community,” Mr. Nugent added.

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020 is scheduled to run from November 16 through to 22.

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