PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 17, 2022
KINGSTON, Jamaica –Entrepreneurs can now register directly to become a client of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) by logging into the agency’s newly designed website at www.jbdc.net. The move forms part of the JBDC’s digital transformation thrust which has heightened since the Covid-19 pandemic. The new website went live on August 17, 2022.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the JBDC, Harold Davis, says the agency is operating under the reality of a dynamic environment and as things change, organisations must be able to adapt quickly. “Therefore, it is important for us to have a mindset of agility and adaptability. Though Covid-19 has disrupted the way we do business, disruption has the capacity to lead to innovation. ‘Business is good’ but it is not business as usual, it is time for us to reimagine the way we support our entrepreneurs and the way we do entrepreneurship in Jamaica,” he added.
According to Mr. Davis, the agency has optimised its efficiency in client management through the implementation of new software to assist with the onboarding process. “The staff members were trained and have been using it for a while with clients. Now we are broadening access to the wider Micro, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, so they can engage with us in a more convenient and efficient manner, as opposed to calling, emailing, walking in, and so on,” he explained.
The online interface allows clients to create a profile which includes identifying their specific needs. They are then contacted by a JBDC team member who further routes them through the agency’s incubation system. Clients also have the opportunity to update their demographics as it becomes necessary.
Corporate Communications Manager at the JBDC, Suzette Campbell, says the new website takes a client-centric approach in a variety of ways. “The first thing visitors will notice is the bold imagery of ten (10) of our clients who were selected to share their experiences and successes with the JBDC. They include 5 men and 5 women from various sectors including services and manufacturing. The clients are also featured in the JBDC’s new corporate advertisement, titled ‘Business is Good’ and we are excited about the fact the people we serve get to tell the JBDC story of how we help entrepreneurs ‘from concept to market’,” she said.
Continuing, Ms. Campbell added that the new website is also informative and promotes continuous learning. “Our in-house news centre is ever active and so visitors to the website can stay abreast of the latest happenings by reading articles, publications and our ‘Entrepreneur Weekly Blog’ which is published every Monday. The knowledge bank page will be consisted updated with relevant information garnered from local, regional and international sources. There is also a link to our YouTube page which features several recordings of online events, dubbed ‘Business Binge’,” she explained.
The launch of the new website follows on the heels of the JBDC’s recent Business Beyond ‘Town’ campaign which targeted entrepreneurs outside of the nation’s capital. “The availability of business development services islandwide is a key tenet of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce’s MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy. Business Beyond ‘Town’ was designed to highlight the JBDC’s Business Centres which are strategically located islandwide so that entrepreneurs can access our services without journeying to our Head Office in Kingston. The JBDC’s services are now detailed in a much clearer manner on this new website, so they can familiarise themselves with the interventions available before they even make contact, whether virtually or face-to-face,” Ms. Campbell added.
Visitors to the website (www.jbdc.net) are also encouraged to subscribe to the JBDC’s mailing list, so they can be kept informed in real time.
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