Gov’t to expand business incubator services

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Floyd Green, says Government will be facilitating more persons getting into business through the expansion of its business incubator services across the island.
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has been strengthened to ensure that persons who want to set up businesses can go to the JBDC for consultation; assistance in refining their business plans; as well as support for marketing, design and branding of their products, said Minister Green.
“So, over the course of the next three months, I think you will see us opening a number of new spaces where we can provide that service, said Minister Green.
The State Minister, who was speaking at a Preparing YOUth Conference at St. Catherine High School on March 14, told the students who were in attendance that those who were interested in operating their own business should get in touch with the JBDC for assistance.
He further noted that a new $400-million loan and venture capital fund would be unveiled soon and that work is taking place with the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM Bank) for MSME loans that are “accessible to our micro, small and all” who want to develop their enterprises at rates that they can afford.
The forum was organised by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Governance Club, for high-school students who are preparing for tertiary education, under the theme ‘Total Wellness for a Smooth Transition into University’. State Minister Green encouraged the students to do their research prior to choosing an area of study; align their passion with growth areas and develop a five year plan.