JBDC Honours Four Outstanding Entrepreneurs

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of four exceptional individuals at a prestigious ceremony held at the AC Marriott Hotel in St. Andrew, on Thursday, April 4.

Organised by the JBDC, the annual ‘Breakfast with the CEO’ stakeholder event marked the presentation of the coveted ‘B.O.S.S. Man’ and ‘B.O.S.S. Lady’ awards, recognising persons who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and mindset; embrace a culture of innovation; have evidenced significant change in revenue; entered the export market/increased the value of current exports; and introduced a new product/service to the market.

The ‘B.O.S.S. Man’ (Building Opportunities for Strong Success) and ‘B.O.S.S. Lady’ (Building Opportunities for Sweet Success) awards which, when combined, stand for ‘Building Opportunities Strong and Sweet’, serve as a testament to the innovation, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

The first and second-place recipients of the ‘B.O.S.S. Man’ of the Year award are Co-Founder of Pure Chocolate Limited, Wouter Tjeertes and Founder of Gemisis Jamaica, Richard Robinson, respectively.

Meanwhile, founder and brewer of Netty’s Farm, Eileen Dunkley-Shim and owner of Body by Roxanne, Kemisha Oates, were honoured with the prestigious ‘B.O.S.S. Lady’ award for their outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours.

All four awardees were recognised for work done throughout 2023, which included their contribution to the ‘Things Jamaican’ retail chain.

The awards ceremony is part of the JBDC’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jamaica, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

The JBDC was established in 2001 as the premier government agency providing business development services to Jamaican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), ‘from concept to market’.

Source: JIS