Blogs

The fourth instalment of the Enterprise Development for Export Growth Programme (EXPORT MAX) has raised the bar on onboarding companies that demonstrate higher level of export readiness compared to previous cohorts.  

Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) continues to refine its flagship programme, aligning it more closely with the needs of exporters and export-ready firms.  

Recently, the organisation officially welcomed 57 companies from various industries including food, beverage, cosmetics, technology and film industries. Each company will benefit from two years of capacity development, export promotion, mentorship and advocacy.  

Earlier this year Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO noted that improving the delivery of Export Max is part of a renewed collaboration with local enterprises and the mandate to increase exports of Jamaican goods and services, through the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce (MIIC).  

The programme is designed to foster exports in the MSME sector and identify and implement solutions to improve export performance through its facilitation services. The goal is to increase export sales of participating companies as achieved in previous cohorts such as III and II which saw companies achieving approximately 213% and 120% in sales growth respectively. 

JAMPRO will equip companies with technical knowledge, tools, strategies and procedures for market penetration. This includes coordinating and facilitating access to market research, internal and external trade missions, trade fairs and business meetings with targeted buyers, among other opportunities. 

Cohort III Exporter of the Year and Chief Executive Officer of Home Choice Enterprise, Kareema Muncey endorsed the programme while disclosing that she rejoined Cohort IV. 

“The EXPORT MAX team has been a great family. They helped us through every step of the way, and we were able to attend a lot of seminars and tradeshows. I’m happy to come onboard again because some of the opportunities we’ve lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’d be able to regain in Cohort IV,” she said.  

Owner of A YUH DAT, Shawnalee King-Gentles said while she is an active exporter of cold press castor oil, she felt it necessary to join Cohort IV to formalise the structure of her business.  

“I want a good foundation for my business, and I believe that JAMPRO is going to play an instrumental role in helping me scale and build my foundation,” she stated.  

For her part, Nekeisha Campbell, Co-founder of Di Naturals Bulk & Packaging Limited is aspiring to take her products to the larger traditional markets such as the United States and Canada. 

“As the Minister said, if you really want to grow your business you can’t just only consider the Jamaican market. While the local market is important to build your brand’s reputation, in order to grow and scale, you have to look to exports,” she said. 

EXPORT MAX IV will be implemented by JAMPRO in partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters Association (JMEA).  

Specifically, the JBDC will support these firms with capacity building, to access and service targeted markets. The JMEA, through its Big Brother/Big Sister Mentorship initiative, will pair participants with mentors from established entities across various industry sub-sectors for six months. 

The Export Max Cohort IV launch was sponsored by Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth (FCG), Development Bank of Jamaica Limited (DBJ), Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), HEART/NSTA Trust, Carbyne Capital Investments Limited, The National Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank), Trade Management Services (TMS) and Scotiabank. 

For more information on Export Max, visit www.exportmaxja.com.