In an era when digital transformation is no longer optional but essential, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is paving the way for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in the digital economy.
The agency has opened applications for MSMEs to participate in a training programme as part of ‘Digital Jamaica’, a European Union (EU)-funded initiative that was launched in 2023.
Manager for Project Management and Research at the JBDC, Chantol Dormer, tells JIS News that the Digital Jamaica programme “is not just a training initiative, but a comprehensive strategy to integrate MSMEs into the digital economy”.
She explains that while the overall programme focuses on three interconnected pillars: MSME development, education sector advancement and the digitisation of processes, “JBDC’s mandate under this initiative includes training 2,700 MSMEs over two years, providing digitisation tools to 500 businesses, and upgrading its own support infrastructure to align with the programme’s goals.”
This dual thrust ensures that, not only are MSMEs empowered, but the organisations supporting them also evolve in tandem.
During the programme’s initial year, the JBDC’s primary focus was “on data collection, as we wanted to assess the market to see what the MSMEs [were] saying, and to find out where they are on the digital continuum,” Dormer states.
The findings showed that a majority of MSMEs are at the digitisation stage, the first phase on the digital continuum. The second and third stages are digitalisation and digital transformation, respectively.
They also underscored the critical need for foundational training, as only 32 per cent of respondents reported using digital tools in their daily operations.
“These are the things that we are trying to target and change, because we want to ensure that MSMEs are able to compete in the market by utilising digital tools to do so, especially because of the whole digital agenda that Jamaica is pushing,” Dormer points out.
She adds that, “the JBDC tagline, ‘From Concept to Market’, drives everything we do, and we truly believe in pulling MSMEs from conceptualisation into the market and to be active participants.”
However, for this active participation to happen, digital tools and technologies need to be implemented, which is what the programme is designed to do. It will offer accessible, no-cost training, ensuring inclusivity for both formal and informal MSMEs.
Persons interested in participating in the training must complete an online application that assesses their digital readiness, placing them in the appropriate category.
“We encourage honesty during the application process. If you know that your business is at a very basic level, don’t say that you are using systems that you’re not using, because it will determine where you are placed and the information that you get. We wouldn’t want somebody who’s at the basic stage (digitisation) to be placed in the category of digitalisation and then not be able to do the groundwork that is necessary to be placed in that category,” Dormer states.
While the JBDC’s current focus is on in-person training for digitisation, allowing for interactive sessions where participants can ask questions and collaborate, training in digitalisation and digital transformation will be introduced as the programme evolves.
Graduates of each stage will have the opportunity to advance, creating a pipeline for ongoing development.
Beyond the programme’s two-year timeline, JBDC envisions integrating the initiative into its regular offerings, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of MSME development in Jamaica.
For Jamaican MSMEs looking to remain competitive in the digital age, the Digital Jamaica Programme is a golden opportunity.
With no prerequisites for entry and a clear roadmap for growth, the programme is a testament to JBDC’s unwavering commitment to empowering businesses.
“Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this programme has something for you. Join us, and let’s ensure your business not only survives, but thrives in this digital era,” Dormer says.
To learn more and apply, visit https://www.jbdc.net/digitaljamaica/ and take the first step toward transforming your business for the future.
Source: Our Today – https://our.today/jbdc-paving-way-for-msmes-digital-transition-through-eu-funded-initiative/
