This guide was commission by the Jamaica Business Development Centre and takes a potential entrepreneur through the whole process of starting a business, from first thoughts about self-employment to the practicalities of start-up. It contains a section on E-Business and working from home, reflecting the changing trends in Jamaica small business.
The guide focuses on preparation – preparing you for what you will face as an entrepreneur, for the obstacles, hurdles and blockages that will be placed in your way, for the new skills that you will have to learn, for the tasks that you will have to handle, for the rules, regulations and form-filling that may trip you up, right through to the agencies – State and private sector – which can help you make your dream a success.
For ease of use the guide has been made available in five separate sections each of which is filled with checklists, flowcharts and questionnaires:
INTRODUCTION contains a forward from Minister for Industry and Tourism, an introduction to the guides' contents and a table of contents.
READY provides essential background information, preparatory to making a commitment to a start-up. It includes both Self-assessment and Market Research as key elements, as well as Training for Entrepreneurs and Start-up Alternatives.
STEADY takes you through the steps necessary to develop a Business Plan, including the Mission Statement, Strategy, Marketing, Staff, Finance, Taxation and Premises. Presenting the Business Plan and Financiers’ views on Business Plans are also included.
GO provides forms, documentation and further guidance to help you put your business into action.
APPENDICES provide lists of useful addresses, other publications and business related websites.
