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The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is inviting entrepreneurs and business owners to register for three key events being staged in observance of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2026, from November 16 to 22.
Under the theme, ‘Entrepreneurs Thrive H.E.R.E. (Helping Entrepreneurs Recover and Evolve)’, the week of activities will provide micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with opportunities to access practical business guidance, explore financing options and build relationships that support growth and sustainability.
The flagship activities are the Grow Your Business Conference, Opportunity Evening, and Financing Fridays, scheduled for November 16, 18 and 20, respectively.
Grow Your Business Conference, themed ‘The AI Experience’, will be held on Monday, November 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the JBDC Incubator and Resource Centre, located at Unit 10A, 76 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston 13.
The one-day conference and technology showcase will provide practical insights into how MSMEs can use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve business processes, automate tasks and increase operational efficiency.
Opportunity Evening will take place on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Terra Nova Hotel.
To be held under the theme, ‘Buy to Build: Exploring Business Growth Through Local Trade’, the event will feature panel discussions on business-to-business transactions, servicing the value chain and building profitable partnerships.
The event also coincides with Things Jamaican’s ‘Buy to Build’ Christmas campaign, which encourages corporate buyers to purchase authentic Jamaican-made gifts. Limited spaces are available for participation.
Meanwhile, Financing Fridays will be held on Friday, November 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the JBDC Incubator and Resource Centre.
The event, themed ‘Connecting Businesses. Exploring Capital’, will provide participants with access to expert presentations, financial institutions and discussions focused on the financing landscape for MSMEs.
Topics to be explored include the requirements for accessing loans, overcoming financing barriers, matching funding solutions to business needs and alternatives to traditional bank lending.
Global Entrepreneurship Week, which began in 2008, is recognised as the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators.
The initiative highlights the role of entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into viable ventures, driving economic growth and expanding human welfare.
The week is observed through local, national and global activities designed to inspire people to explore their potential as innovators and business creators.
Persons may register for any or all three events by completing the online registration form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclJa51uYBnzWOtiuC5CDLiuLbGyklSqYni8U5wWCuU-HJgKQ/viewform.
Source: JIS
