Shadine Salmon pumps $300K of MIIC 2023 MSME Business Pitch Grant into Xquisite Events

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) MSME Business Roadshow Pitch Competition’s grant prizes in August 2023. Salmon admits that the $300,000 prize allowed her to attain several business milestones. 

“Since winning the competition, Xquisite Events by Shadine has expanded our product offerings and increased our client-base, especially on the South Coast of Jamaica. The addition of marquee number rentals, supported by the prize funds, has set us apart in the event planning market, and we’ve seen a notable increase in bookings,” Salmon revealed. 

With presenting partner Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), MIIC made its first stop in Mandeville for phase one of the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) Business Roadshow. The tour also made stops in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay in 2023 and in total, engaged over 1,200 MSMEs and hosted 155 MSME exhibitors.  

“The prize money provided a significant boost, enabling us to invest in marquee number rentals, which have quickly become popular among our clients,” Salmon boasted. “This addition to our services not only increased our revenue streams but also attracted new customers interested in unique and customised event decor. The funding also allowed us to cover essential business expenses, ensuring a smooth expansion without stretching our finances.” 

Though her win accounted for many blessings, some things have not materialised the way they should. 

“In September 2024, we faced an unexpected challenge as there were no event designing projects lined up. Rather than allowing this downtime to hinder our growth, I decided to use it as an opportunity for personal development,” Salmon explained. “I signed up to pursue a training course in customer service with the HEART/NSTA Trust. This training helped me enhance our client interactions, ensuring that we deliver not only outstanding events but also exceptional customer service, which is crucial for maintaining and growing our client base.” 

Salmon said her full experiences are leading her to expand the business’ reach and service offerings. 

“My vision is to establish Xquisite Events by Shadine as a premier event planning business on the South Coast of Jamaica. Next on our roadmap is enhancing our digital marketing strategy to attract more destination weddings and corporate clients, as well as collaborating with local businesses to offer comprehensive event packages,” said Salmon. 

She encouraged other MSMEs to pursue their dreams and enter the pitch competitions at the next two stops. 

Salmon recommends that competitors: “Prepare thoroughly and focus on a unique aspect of their business that solves a market need. Winning a pitch competition goes beyond the prize money; it’s a chance to gain visibility, network, and develop business acumen,” Salmon shared. “My experience taught me the importance of perseverance, networking, and making the most of opportunities for growth.” 

The 2025 MSME Business Roadshow series has one more stop at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School, Santa Cruz, on Thursday, March 6. To learn more about the MSME Business Roadshow series, visit roadshow.miic.gov.jm. 

Source: MIIC