The JBDC Cluster Support Team

 The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the leading local agency charged with the responsibility of facilitating the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), has recognized the advantages to be gained from entities operating in groups/networks/clusters in order to enhance their competitiveness.

JBDC's cluster methodology is therefore embedded in both its operational plans and in the delivery of the various services.

 All JBDC teams including Executive Management are fully committed to the cluster approach. The system is designed to ensure the sustainability of the various clusters the corporation will guide including the five PSDP/EU supported clusters.

As the hub for JBDC's cluster support programme, the Industrial Secretariat (IS) Team provides hands-on coordination and guidance to the

• Jamaica Fashion & Apparel
• Authentic Jamaican Gift & Craft
• Jamaica Wellness
• Small Ruminants
• Egg Industry clusters

The clusters are additionally bolstered by services from the Technical Services and Business Advisory Teams and specifically for the Gift & Craft Cluster. the Things Jamaican retail chain plays a critical role in providing marketing and merchandising solutions to its members. The Organisation's commitment to using an integrated approach in the delivery of its programmes has resulted in the establishment of the Incubator and Resource Centre, the Financial Support Services Unit and the expansion of the JAMBIC network.

 The JBDC Team has been instrumental in the strategic guidance and implementation of developmental~activities for its five clusters. Specifically the IS Team is charged with the responsibility for administering and monitoring the Corporation's cluster support programme. Identifying appropriate technical assistance and funding for developmental activities are also a part of the Team's portfolio.

Under the guidance of the Support Team the cluster programme has yielded many successes which have extended outside of Jamaica. Things Jamaican, a member of the Authentic Jamaican Gift & Craft cluster, won the best booth award at the Caribbean Export Development Agency's Caribbean Gift & Craft Show held in Barbados. It was at this show that stakeholders in the Barbados gift & craft sector requested technical assistance from the Cluster Support Team for the establishment of a cluster programme there.

The Support Team is firm in its resolve to provide guidance for the five existing clusters and for new clusters coming on board. There is also a commitment to provide opportunities for the development and sustainability of its clusters and to forging linkages with other economic development initiatives.