The Small Business Edition

Profit from pear cultivation, says businessman

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:23:19 GMT

Producing pears (or avocados) could be an opportunity for you to capitalise on. According to Lawrence Weathers, a native of Mocho in the parish of Clarendon, this industry is massive and has an incredible amount of untapped potential.

The head of the Avocado Society of Jamaica, Weathers, said: "It is my ambition and my vision... to essentially place Jamaica as the leading avocado grower in this region of the hemisphere."

Since there are strong markets and healthy prices for the fruit and its byproducts both locally and globally, Weathers is advocating for the cultivation of at least 500 acres of land in avocados.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon, Weathers emphasised that he wants to see small farmers in the sector turn from "farming to a business" as they sustain themselves and their families. He insisted that the avocado business is a lucrative enterprise.

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Daye creates Daylight to assist others achieve goals

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:26:04 GMT

Crystal Daye of Dayelight Publishers says that "your business will not grow more than you," and she advises business owners to search for tools and learning opportunities to progress and polish their creativity.

Her argument is that in order for women to succeed in society, "we must be continual learners...a part of learning is asking for help."

Her successful career as a writer led to the establishment of Daylight Publishers. After discovering that her first book had become an Amazon best seller in only two days, she immediately set out to develop her own publishing and marketing company.

She also had the desire to help others realise their dreams of writing and publishing their own books by imparting her knowledge to them and assisting them in the process.

Daye shares more in this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon.

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Any idea can be turned into money, declares businesswoman

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:23:07 GMT

Since taking over her husband's carpet cleaning firm eight years ago, Ingrid Murray has significantly increased annual sales. She believes that knowing your "why" is essential to business success.

"Anything may be exchanged for money. Any concept you have may be made into money,” she says, urging female company owners to "remain determined."

Prospect Cleaning Services, her business, has achieved a remarkable feat for a minority woman-owned business by being placed 1001 by Inc 5000 magazine for 2022. Additionally, the business was chosen as New York's top woman-owned enterprise for 2021.

She explains that in order to monitor the financial development of their business, female business owners must have a solid understanding of accounting fundamentals. She claims that "understanding how to budget [and] knowing your numbers" is one of the most crucial skills for women running businesses.

Find out more in this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon.

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‘I wanted to see change…for blacks in business’

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:40:03 GMT

Yvonne Witter swore she would never walk in the footsteps of her family to become an entrepreneur. But fate would have it no other way.

A Jamaican business facilitator and consultant based in England, Yvonne felt that black businesses were not benefitting from the systems in place to help the small ones, so she set to work, building her company that now empowers these businesses to scale and build capacity.

“I wanted to see change, and I thought the way to do that was to set up my own company to create change,” Witter tells host Tameka Gordon in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

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Hourly car rental readies for expansion

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:05:19 GMT

Ferone Bryan describes his company as the first hourly car rental entity Jamaica. “I aim and shoot,” he declares as he reflects on the start of his car rental business. “We figured this out in August, and we started in November (2018) so it was that close.”

Minute Car Rentals has grown tremendously since its inception, through its unique business model of partnering with motor car owners to use their cars for hire and in this way, expanding its fleet without the capital expenditure. At the same time, this business model creates passive income for the car owners.

Having started with just two small Suzuki Alto motor cars, the company is now in expansion mode because, for Ferone, a marine engineer, the time to be optimistic and take business risks is while you are young.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon, he advises other aspiring entrepreneurs who may be fearful of stepping out to “just go for it!”

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‘I see aspects of my work in every parish’

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:19:51 GMT

Tyrone Napier believes his years of apprenticeship kept him out of trouble and going down the wrong path.

He is now keen on imparting the knowledge and skills he has turned into creating his company, Napier Patterns, Mould and Castings, to the younger generation.

“It has made at impact on the architectural landscape of Jamaica,” he said. “Every parish I go I see aspects of my work on buildings.”

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, Napier talks about the importance of his craft and its contribution to the society.

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Ja-Jireh Herbal: Born out of a vision

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:03:55 GMT

Jamaica is blessed with an abundance of plants that have been used over the years for their medical value.

Martello Melville, founder of Ja-Jireh Herbal Limited, has made it his mission to leverage Jamaica’s natural bounty to boost the medical tourism market and support the country’s economic growth.

It was a vision that kick-started the company recalled Melville who declared: “I believe it will provide a source of inspiration as we progress”. In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, he tells host Tameka Gordon about the effectiveness of his products; and much more.

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COVID-19 didn’t dim a dream to explore, share Jamaica

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:13:31 GMT

The niche of heritage tours in Jamaica remains a relatively untapped source of adventure and revenue.

“A lot of people live here and do not know what exists in and around their communities and the country in general,” shares Gwaroko Tours Jamaica founder, Adrian Reid.

His quest is to monetize his passion for exploring Jamaica’s treasured sites while teaching both local and visitors about the country’s rich history.

The fledgling tour and adventure company was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Reid shares his plans and how he managed to hang in there during the pandemic to continue his dream.

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Christal-Ann Thompson’s Honey Vera: An amazing success story

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 04:01:28 GMT

She toiled night and day to push her business forward. “Every second of the day is very important,” declared the entrepreneur who will allow no challenge to stand in her way.

While the route to having skincare and haircare products that are now popular in many households has it fair share of ups-and-downs, her personal story is also captivating. She has had to clean floors, scale fish, and bake and sell, before finding her true niche.

COVID-19 came and interrupted her traditional business, but not even the virus was able to quench her entrepreneurial spirit. Christal-Ann shares her amazing story of triumph with Impacting Jamaica host Andre Jebbinson.

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Jamaica is ripe for pear (avocado) production

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:41:18 GMT

Here’s a business for you – pear (avocado) production. Lawrence Weathers, who hails from Mocho in Clarendon, says this is a huge industry with huge potential.

“It is my dream and my vision… to basically position Jamaica as the leading avocado producer in this part of the hemisphere,” declared Weathers who heads the Avocado Society of Jamaica.

Weathers is pushing to see at least 500 acres of land under avocado production as there are good markets and good prices for the product and its byproducts – locally and internationally.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon, Weathers emphasized that he wants to see small farmers in the sector shift from “farming to a business” as they provide for themselves and their families. “Avocado is a viable business,” he insisted.

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Digital Global Marketing heats up virtual space

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT

Kemal Brown is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Global Marketing which is making waves in Jamaica. The company has transformed the digital experiences of several companies in the country.He is excited about the future of digital sector in Jamaica despite current gaps, especially in the education space. Brown, emphasizing the importance of the digital agenda, suggests that coding should be taught as a language in schools like Spanish and French.In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Andre Jebbinson, the Digital Global Marketing CEO talks about his business, existing gaps in Jamaica’s digital ecosystem, and the role of the sector in education and self-learning.

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The rise of Bresheh to the world!

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Randy McLaren has come a long way with his business – Bresheh Enterprises – that produces high quality bags and accessories that are in high demand.That journey started on a veranda in East Kingston, Jamaica, in 2015 with his brother Davian using “out of pocket funds” and an old sewing machine.Today Bresheh, which focuses on doing “what is right for people and what is right for the planet”, is a model for those who want to enter the world of small business.McLaren said his aim on entering business was not to make money. The purpose went beyond the financial value. “For us,” said McLaren, “it is because we really think that every day we go into work we are helping to make individuals, people, families, more purposeful and prepared for success and happiness in life.”He sits down with host Catherine Goodall, an executive at CaribShopper, to talk about his successes, his challenges and how he’s ready to embark on the next phase with ideas resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.This is the first episode of a new podcast series – Impacting Jamaica: The Small Business Edition.

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‘Whatever we do, we do it with fun,” says Hinduja Global Solutions boss

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Anand Biradar, senior vice-president and head of the international outsourcing firm Hinduja Global Solutions, is upbeat about the BPO sector in Jamaica.He predicts that within two to three years the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the country will be a US$1 billion industry. Everything is on track for this to become a reality, said the Hinduja Global Solutions senior vice-president.His company, said Biradar, helps clients in various ways, adding that it covers “the entire gamut of enabling our clients to run their businesses a lot more efficiently and also at the same time empowers them to deliver better experiences for their customers”.Additionally, Biradar was full of praise for the Jamaica workforce, praising his team for their commitment and dedication to duty. In this repeat 2021 episode with Impacting Jamaica host Mark Titus, the Hinduja Global Solutions senior vice-president spoke about the company’s commitment to its workers and corporate social responsibility initiatives. “Whatever we do, we do it with fun,” he said.

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Tax Administration Jamaica on a world-class path for all

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) continues to transform its operations to better serve the public, both in Jamaica and diaspora communities.Its online offerings are vastly improved and public satisfaction has been high, said Courtney Johnson, the taxpayer education officer at the TAJ. “Over 75 per cent of our customers found that using the online platform is convenient, it is safe…,” he said.Johnson said the TAJ continues to work to ensure it provides the best service possible to all customers. He notes too that the TAJ is already number one in the Caribbean; and the vision is to become a world-class organisation.In an interview with Impacting Jamaica host Byron Buckley, the TAJ taxpayer education officer spoke about various improved offerings and others to come on stream soon.

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Caribbean HR Solutions: Changing the outsourcing game

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:00 GMT

For over a decade, Caribbean HR Solutions has been providing seamless human resource and business process support to the members of the investing community entering Jamaica’s commercial space.They are also a key contributor to the rapid growth in the petroleum and outsourcing sectors, while making its mark through top-class service in other industries, including tourism.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ms. Debra Frazer is proud of the company’s work. “Anything having to do with people management, we have a solution and that’s what we are in the business of providing,” she declared.Caribbean HR Solutions, with headquarters in Montego Bay, St James, has also been instrumental in the success of start-ups, processing payrolls and other HR support services, Ms. Frazer tells host Mark Titus in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

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Ibex, creating jobs, impacting lives

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Ibex, one of the business process outsourcing (BPO) entities in Jamaica, is making great strides. It has moved its workforce from 120 persons five years ago to 8,500 today.“It has been quite a journey and a very interesting one,” said Jaime Vergara, senior vice president of operations at the outsourcing powerhouse, who said Ibex is eyeing having additional senior staff positions in Jamaica.The company provides customer support via phone, chat and email in sectors that include retail, finance, healthcare and telecommunications. These include its online marketing accelerator Ibex Digital, which offers search engine marketing, social media advertising, and lead generation solutions.Ibex also offers financial services solutions, such as credit and transaction support, and banking from their service centres across Jamaica.In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, Mr Vergara talks with host Mark Titus about the months ahead and Ibex’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

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‘Jamaica is gifted with talent…we are obsessed with people’

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) Jamaica is excited about the country and its people. “Jamaica is gifted with talent,” declared the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anand Biradar.Hinduja is the first Indian business process management (BPM) firm to operate in Jamaica.It started in June 2012 with 80 customer service associates, and has since established a reputation for nurturing strong client relationships by making the most of the near-shore advantage and an exciting talent pool. The company now has more than over 5,100 associates working in its four delivery centres across the country.Anand is upbeat about the future of his company the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector in Jamaica, declaring that in another two to three years it will be a billion-dollar industry.In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, Anand talks with host Mark Titus about his dedicated and committed employees, the BPO’s future and corporate social responsibility.

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Joel Harris is harvesting ‘Jamaican goodness’

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Joel Harris was only 27 years old when he came up with the idea of the Shavuot Group of Companies.He is a trained marketer, but he knew he could also rely on the expertise of his father who had recently retired and had significant experience in agro-processing.The company specializes in teas, spices, gluten-free flour, powered herbs and oils for personal care. For Joel and his family, empowering people through nature and social enterprise is critical to the products they currently offer. With the brand seemingly hitting all the right spots, despite, facing tremendous hurdles that include physical and human nature, the company is growing in the number of products and acreage for production.Joel tells Impacting Jamaica host Andre Jebbinson that he sees Shavuot as his destiny and will continue to “harvest Jamaican goodness”.

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Scotch Boyz – making waves in Jamaica, overseas

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Scotch Boyz, the producers of Jamaican BBQ and hot sauces, came about when Drew Gray and his three partners decided to enter a grill-off competition. Based on the positive feedback they received during and after the competition, they decided to bottle, market and sell their production locally and internationally. They placed considerable effort in ensuring that like their products, their packaging and labeling would be mainstream enough to be viable, while reflecting the authenticity of their ingredients – the chief being the Scotch Bonnet peppers.The Scotch Boyz journey to where they are now was not easy. However, they have continued to thrive – even during the global COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, one of the highlights of 2021 was their appearance on the US shopping channel, QVC. Drew Gray and his partners remain optimistic about taking their small business to the next level. They are particularly excited about a new product that they believe will be different and successful with the right amount of spice.Drew sat down with Impacting Jamaica Small Business Edition host Andre Jebbinson to talk about his business and JAMPRO’s Export Max Programme’s role in the growth of the Scotch Boyz.

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Rudolph Edwards: ‘There is no room for error’ in construction business

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

The Jamaican construction industry continues to be one of the strongest performing sectors, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have predicted this construction bubble will crash but, according to Rudolph Edwards of R.E. Construction, while he doesn’t see a crash, his company’s model is made to last.R.E. Construction merges construction and project management to provide value-added services to its clients. The attention to proper planning makes the life of the clients easier, the process simpler, and in many instances, cheaper.“There is really no room for error,” said the construction boss. Mr. Edwards said that this client management gives his small business competitive advantage by focusing on design concepts and innovation. He talks with Impacting Jamaica host Andre Jebbinson how clients can build their home within their financial cap, and finding his niche against the bigger players in the market.

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Best herbs, best skincare products at Bare Artisans

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Kalawalla fern. It is seen many places across Jamaica, and regarded by many as a wild plant. Applied chemist Marilyn Lee has been doing research and testing on the plant. “The report says it’s the only plant that offers sun-screen protection,” she shared.She already has a sample product!Lee is the founder Bare Artisans, a small business specializing in natural skin care products. All her products are made with herbs: Soap, lip balm, sanitizer spray, aloe mist, skin tonic, dream cream and many more. “There is an herb for everything,” she said.She told Impacting Jamaica host and CaribShopper executive Catherine Goodall that her strategy is to offer the best customer service to clients. “I feel that if you have a problem and I can solve it, you will find me,” said Lee.

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Christal-Ann Thompson’s Honey Vera: An amazing success story

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

From selling out a box in a fast food store, to selling on the overseas market. That is part of the story of a small Jamaican business owner. Christal-Ann Thompson has always wanted to become an entrepreneur and has tried several ventures before starting Honey Vera in 2014.She toiled night and day to push her business forward. “Every second of the day is very important,” declared the entrepreneur who will allow no challenge to stand in her way. While the route to having skincare and haircare products that are now popular in many households has it fair share of ups-and-downs, her personal story is also captivating. She has had to clean floors, scale fish, and bake and sell, before finding her true niche. COVID-19 came and interrupted her traditional business, but not even the virus was able to quench her entrepreneurial spirit. Christal-Ann shares her amazing story of triumph with Impacting Jamaica host Andre Jebbinson.

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Bute Cosmetics – truly Jamaican, available with a click… more to come!

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Kareen Lamme is a professional makeup artist who had a full-time job in the hospitality sector in Montego Bay, St James. She had skin issues and so could not use makeup offerings on the market. She instead made her own formulations.With promptings from family members and friends, she established Bute Cosmetics to share with the world a makeup brand that is all Jamaican. Even the names of the various offerings are rooted in the country’s and the Caribbean’s culture – Tropical Glow, Caribbean Highlight, Island Spice, Jamaican Tan and Global Bronze.If you cannot find what you want, Kareen and her team will create it for you; and, branded with your name, becomes part of the company’s product line. Impacting Jamaica: The Small Business Edition host and executive at CaribShopper, Catherine Goodhall, chats with Kareen about her business and plans for the future.

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Annilu: Your stop for authentic fruit cake, pudding mixes

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Here is how you can make a Jamaican fruit cake or sweet potato pudding without hassle. Anytime. Anywhere. Two Jamaicans have come to market with mixes to give you the real deal.Annilu Ltd. is the brainchild of two women who were about to retire and figured they still had a lot left in the tank. Ann-Marie is the chemist in manufacturing and production and Lucille, the finance guru and baker.For the two of them, the aim was to allow Jamaicans to enjoy some of their traditional desserts without all the heavy lifting.Ann-Marie Smith admitted that the prospect of starting a business was intimidating; she had been professionally advising people for years on how to develop their business.Now, their products are at local and overseas supermarkets for a fraction of what it would cost to make them from scratch. Despite trying days, Ann-Marie would do it all over again.She told Impacting Jamaica: Small Business Edition host Andre Jebbinson that 70 per cent of the products go to markets in the USA, Canada, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

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Nubian Oils, good for your hair, skin

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Shanique Meikle is a brave young entrepreneur. She walked away from her full-time job during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to follow her dream.She started Nubian Oils for hair and skin care; and is already selling on the international market. "You can definitely expect more from us. We are in our growth process," said the Manchester, Jamaica, businesswoman.Shanique told Impacting Jamaica: The Small Business Edition host Catherine Goodall, an executive at CaribShopper, that she wasn’t daunted by initial challenges. Today she is getting ready to expand. Soon, she said, her products will be on the shelves of pharmacies and beauty supply shops across Jamaica.For those wanting to enter the small business world, she said, "You must put in the work. You have to persevere. As long as you are passionate about your business, you will definitely give it the energy and the push necessary."

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Linga Ya Farms: A thriving Portland roast breadfruit business

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Entrepreneur. Mother. Wife. Full-time job. Annakaye Saunders-Tucker, Managing Director of Linga Ya Farms in Portland, has her hands full.Yet she manages with grace and ease, running an extremely efficient operation selling roasted breadfruits on the local and international markets.In this episode of Impacting Jamaica: The Small Business Edition, with host Andre Jebbinson, Annakaye tells the story of how she and her family have turned roasted breadfruit into a business.Her parents, who are from Kingston purchased a property in Portland in 2009 and later retired there. The property has in excess of 100 breadfruit trees. The family shared some of the breadfruits with family and friends and the excess was sometimes wastes.Friends told Annakaye’s parents to commercialize breadfruits and they took that advice – using up much of their retirement funds in the process.The company started local distribution in 2018 and tapped into the export market in 2019. Anne Saunders, Annakaye’s mother, is Founder and Director of Operations at Linga Ya Farms.As you will hear in this episode of Impacting Jamaica: The Small Business Edition, one of the most significant factors in deciding to open the business was the great need for employment opportunities in their community and parish.

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The rise of Bresheh to the world!

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

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PART 2: SOUND POLICIES KEY, SAYS NIGEL CLARKE

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

The Government has been able to come forward to aid the small business community at this time because of the administration’s sound policies, said Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke.He said too that there are already signs of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, all liked to the programmes and policies of his administration.When compared to other small developing nations in the region, the minister noted that Jamaica is performing fairly well.

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PART 1: BILLIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Finance and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) are collaborating on a $3-billion project for small businesses.It falls under the Social and Economic Recovery and Vaccine (SERVE) Jamaica Programme, for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to reset their operations.Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke emphasized that business must continue to function in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out too that Jamaica has been able to maintain macroeconomic stability throughout the pandemic.

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PART 3: PLEASE, THIS MONEY IS FOR YOU; USE IT

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Jamaica’s small business operators have been urged to take up grants and loans to go digital.This appeal has come from Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke who declares that companies in this sector must reposition for growth in the digital space.Money under the Development Bank of Jamaica’s SERVE programme is to be disbursed through various financial institutions across the country. Minister Clarke pleaded to those in the small business sector to make contact with them.

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