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Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) remain the main driver of economic growth in Jamaica, fostering employment and creating linkages with large buyers in the country.  

To maintain sustainable growth MSMEs should strategically  develop their business operations and engage with larger businesses. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), during the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s (MIIC) recent MSME Roadshow in St. Catherine led a panel discussion focused on strategies to achieve this goal.  

Strategies to engage larger businesses in Jamaica: 

• Attend exhibitions and industry events: MSME’s should seek and attend industry events which provide them with opportunities to showcase their product and services and network with representatives from larger buyers.   

Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO, encouraged MSMEs to attend Jamaica’s largest exhibition and tradeshow, Expo Jamaica, on April 3 to 6. “There will be two days dedicated to buyers, giving you the opportunity to network and promote your products,” she said.  

The event will be held at the National Arena and National Indoor Sports Center in Kingston. Exhibition tickets can be purchased here. 

Meanwhile, MSMEs can participate in JAMPRO’s linkage events which allows for one-on-one business meetings with local buyers in the tourism industry.  

Carol Straw, Manager for the Tourism and Linkages department, said, “We have hosted several business matchmaking sessions, focused on the needs of the buyer and sellers and from these events, MSMEs have had a number of contracts signed.” 

• Learn how to negotiate while maintaining integrity: Once a buyer has expressed interest, it’s important that MSME owners know how to negotiate strategically. This starts with knowing who the buyer is and what they require, while mapping that to the capacity of the business. Do not make agreements on orders you cannot fulfill consistently.  

• Prioritise Packaging and Quality: One of the best ways of making your brand stand out from larger competitors is by developing unique packaging and maintaining high quality. Consider a style that will not only appeal to your customers but represent your brand in a premium way. 

• Optimise your business back-end operations: Be prepared to consistently meet orders by structuring your operations and pricing according to the supply chain.  

JIS News reports that the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) 2023 Economic and Social Survey states MSMEs increased sales by 1.2 per cent ($207.4 billion) relative to 2022. These sales span the electricity, water supply, mining & quarrying and manufacturing sectors. 

The Ministry continues its thrust to encourage MSMEs to improve their chances for growth and to penetrate new markets via exports by hosting business roadshows that feature representatives from all its agencies.  

The first leg of the 2025 roadshow series was held in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on January 16, 2025. JIS News reports that more than 70 MSMEs benefited from a range of services to improve and grow their operations. The second leg of the roadshow will take place on February 20 at the Juici Empowerment Park in Clarendon.  

Partners for the roadshow includes the PIOJ, HEART/NSTA Trust, Development bank of Jamaica Limited, Hi-Pro, Jamalco, Pepsi and ATL Automotive Group.  

Learn more about JAMPRO and its services by visiting www.dobusinessjamaica.com 

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