Like a cultural phenomenon, the spirit of entrepreneurship permeates every nook and cranny of Jamaica. It is no wonder that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for more than 90% of businesses. Mandated to provide business support services to MSMEs and headquartered at 14 Camp Road in Kingston, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has ensured that its services are accessible in 14 locations islandwide through strategic partnerships.
Cumulatively, these centres serve approximately 10,000 MSMEs (FY 2024 -2025) ‘From Concept to Market’ through interventions inclusive of business advice & consultation, access to finance, incubator and technical services, product development, research, project management, training, coaching and mentoring, monitoring and handholding and market access.
READY. TECH. GROW.
As the world goes digital, Jamaican entrepreneurs are not to be left behind. The Digital Jamaica Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce is designed to train approximately 2700 entrepreneurs in the areas of digitisation, digitalisation, and digital transformation, over a two-year period (2024 -2026).
As a precursor to the implementation of the training, the JBDC conducted a survey among Jamaican MSMEs. The data revealed that there is a varied level of awareness regarding the benefits of digital technologies among MSMEs in Jamaica. A moderate 32.44% of respondents use digital technologies daily and understand their benefits well, indicating a practical familiarity. However, a notable 16.74% are still unaware of these benefits, and only 26.45% have heard about them, suggesting a need for increased education and awareness initiatives to bridge this knowledge gap.
The results from this survey have been used to inform the contents of the training being delivered in partnership with Jamaica’s Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA). Resource materials provided include curricula and training manuals. A continuum approach (supporting digitisation, digitalisation and digital transformation based on the needs of the particular MSME), as well as a phased approach along the continuum as enterprises and entrepreneurs mature, will facilitate improved competitiveness, job creation and growth in a digital economy and society. Training modules explore areas including: assessment of business’ digital needs, choosing the right digital tools, data & finances, customer management, enhance business with software, data security & privacy, and reporting.
DIGITAL TRANSITIONING CENTRES
Another significant objective of the project is the implementation of digital transitioning centres at JBDC locations to provide digital transitioning support services to MSMEs. These are considered fully operational locations when (1) personnel have completed the Training of Trainers (ToT) digitisation, digitalisation and digital transformation training package for MSMEs; (2) the locations are equipped with computers, scanners and printers, as well as training manuals and curricula to allow the trainers to deliver digital transitioning support services to MSME beneficiaries.
The JBDC is targeting six (6) locations to be designated as “Digital Transitioning Centres” based on volume of traffic, strategic location across the island including rural parishes, and level of control to ensure successful execution of activities.
Three (3) centres in Manchester, St. Ann, and St. James have so far been relocated, with an official opening taking place at 39 Ward Avenue at the Stone Surreal Plaza, Mandeville, Manchester on March 12, 2025. The Fairview Shopping Centre in Montego Bay is now home to the St. James Business Centre, while 5 Church Street, St. Ann’s Bay, houses the St. Ann Business Centre.
IT’S TIME TO GO DIGITAL
More than 1200 MSMEs have been trained under Digital Jamaica. Entrepreneurs are invited to register for training at www.jbdc.net/digitaljamaica.
