Many would think that much of St. Ann’s commerce comes from its booming tourism sector. That may be true, but beyond the sun, sea, and sand, an industry is steadily growing: Agro-processing. St. Ann is widely regarded as “The Garden Parish” of Jamaica because of its abundant natural beauty and lush landscapes.
At the heart of this growth is the JBDC St Ann Business Centre, recently relocated to 5 Church Street in St. Ann’s Bay. With an upgrade to a ‘digital transitioning centre’ under the Digital Jamaica Project, the Centre is a vital resource for MSMEs across St. Ann and neighbouring St. Mary. The digital transitioning centre plays a pivotal role in encouraging digital adoption, helping business owners navigate challenges ranging from funding gaps to regulatory hurdles and digital transformation.
Business Development Officer, Kim-Loy Chung knows this terrain well. A native of the parish, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Long before joining JBDC, Kim-Loy was already immersed in the world of business, running her own ventures, offering marketing and social media consultations, and helping friends set up their companies.
From her days as President of the Business Club at St. Mary High School and a member of the Junior Achievers Club, Kim-Loy has been committed to empowering others to succeed.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a track record that spans branding, promotions, and even product formulation, she has honed the skills to guide entrepreneurs through every stage of business growth.
“Agro-processing is really the backbone of business here,” she explains. “We also see a lot of activity in tourism like tour guides, transportation services, and cosmetics is booming, too.” Despite these opportunities, Kim-Loy acknowledges that many entrepreneurs face steep challenges. “Funding is limited. Many don’t understand tax filing. Market access, especially for exporters outside Kingston, is a real barrier,” she says. “Sometimes people get halfway through the process and just give up because it’s overwhelming.”
That’s where the Centre steps in, offering hands-on guidance. She uses the analogy of crossing the road, “Have you ever tried crossing the road in an environment that you aren’t familiar with? Think of us as crossing guards that help you safely cross the road,” Kim-Loy says with a smile. The ‘road’ she refers to is symbolic to the business journey. JBDC handholds MSMEs taking them ‘From Concept to Market’ through a range of services spanning consultation, training, product development, brand development, production space rental, operational improvements, marketing support, financial literacy, funding referral, among others.
Junior Business Development Officer, Abigail Blair echoes the Centre’s impact. A St. Ann native herself, Abigail came to JBDC after running her own online baby boutique during the pandemic. Abbigail’s path to business development was by no means linear. Initially, all her educational pursuits were geared towards becoming a Registered Nurse. Enrolled in Brown’s Town Community College, she did all the sciences. But God had other plans.
“I love helping people trying to find their way in business,” she says. Blair attended Ferncourt High School and then went on to study Human Resource Management & Marketing at the University of Technology (UTECH).
At the Business Centre, Abbigail will most likely be the first face you see, “Being the first point of contact, giving them the basic knowledge and confidence that JBDC can help, that’s what drives me.”
While many MSMEs use online banking, Kim-Loy points out that full digital sales and payment gateways remain a work in progress. One recent success involved a hairdresser who streamlined bookings using Calendly integrated with Instagram. She was impressed with the efficiency a simple digital tool created.
For entrepreneurs across St. Ann and St. Mary, JBDC is ready to help you move your business in the right direction, as our business development officers are equipped to provide business development services that can impact your business in a meaningful way. Visit our location at 5 Church Street, St. Ann’s Bay or call (876) 972-2615. You can also visit our website at www.jbdc.net to book an appointment.
