The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has launched a $2 million Enterprise Assistance Programme designed to equip existing and aspiring young business persons to grow and develop businesses.
The programme targets persons between the ages of 18 and 29 years who live or have business interests in Kingston and St. Andrew.
The initiative which is geared at facilitating and encouraging business development and growth within the Municipality includes three components: financial assistance; training and development; and mentoring/technical support.
Speaking at the official launch, Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said the programme will create sustainable economic activities that will benefit the residents of the Corporate Area.
“The aim of this programme, is to provide training and financial assistance towards business development for persons wanting to start a business,” he asserted.
The Deputy Mayor also said that the initiative was critical as it will provide employment opportunities for persons within the municipality as well as boost the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.
This initiative, led by Mayor Brown Burke, is in keeping with the strategic objectives of the KSAC, which are aimed at keeping the Municipality clean, safe and thriving; serving the our citizens and other stakeholders; attracting and increasing the flow of cash and cultivating a culture of effectiveness in the Council.
The programme is endorsed by private individuals and members of the business community as well as the Ministry of Local Government.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, lauded the KSAC for implementing the initiative which, he said, will address the creation of business standards; issue grants to start-up and existing businesses; as well as teach people how to be successful entrepreneurs.
The projects cover a range of interests, including recycling, banana cultivation, juice production, irrigation systems and crop storage, those expanding, and those wanting to diversify existing micro and small businesses in the KSAC,” he said.
Programme Consultant, Jenni Headlam, said at least 22 businesses will benefit directly from the initiative. “The benefit however does not stop there as another 10 or 15 local businesses may be contracted by successful applicants in the supply of goods and services,” she said.
The Enterprise Assistance Programme is intended to nurture and develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and is a critical component of the Local Economic Development Programme of the KSAC and Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.
Further information can be found on the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation’s website at ksac.gov.jm. Persons may also send queries to ksac.led.program@gmail.com