Thirty-five aspiring entrepreneurs and wellness enthusiasts left the SDC’s hosted “Albert Town DAC Body Care Products Workshop” on Friday equipped with newfound skills to launch or expand businesses, marking a significant step toward combatting unemployment and developing local economies in the parish. The event, held on March 7 at the HEART/NSTA Trust Albert Town Campus, blended hands-on training with expert insights, empowering participants to create sustainable products like facial soaps, body soaps using locally sourced ingredients. In addition to the hard skills learnt the participants also benefited from training in business proposals writing to access grant funding.
(no. check number of similar activities held with this FY) The Social Development Commission (SDC), through its Local Economic Development Support Programme, designs customized workshops to address communities economic challenges thereby fostering self-reliance. “When communities harness their natural resources and talents, they unlock opportunities for growth,” said Mr. Omar Frith, Executive Director of the SDC. “This initiative is not just about making products it is about building resilience, creating jobs, and nurturing a culture of innovation to boost local economies, in other words we teach the man how to fish.”
Over four hours, attendees explored the science of natural ingredients, from the healing properties of aloe vera and coconut oil to the art of customizing products for different skin types. Under the guidance of an experienced facilitator Ms. Dorceen Jennings, they crafted pre-market-ready items during interactive sessions, while learning branding and packaging strategies to enhance profitability.
Facilitator Ms. Dorceen Jennings, owner Super Shae Enterprise shared that as a beneficiary of the LEDSP of the SDC, she felt compelled to give back via the transferring of skills gained. “ I was a SDC LEI for seven years and I benefited from numerous capacity building training sessions that has helped me to develop my product, brand and business. I feel compelled to share my skillset and provide handholding guidance to other grassroots businesses across the island.”
Paula Barrett, SDC Parish Manager for Trelawny, emphasized the workshop’s local impact. “Albert Town has immense potential. By equipping residents with practical skills, we are planting seeds for micro-enterprises that can uplift entire families,” she said. “The enthusiasm today proves that when people are given the tools to thrive, they transform challenges into opportunities.”
For participant Vilma Stewart, a mother of two seeking to add another income stream to her business that she recently started, the workshop was a revelation. “I never thought I could make my own soaps or start a business,” she shared, holding a freshly made bar of shea butter/peppermint soap. “Now I have recipes, contacts, and confidence. By next month, I’ll be selling at the local market!”
The SDC provided take-home kits with: ingredients, worksheets, and step-by-step guides to ensure participants could immediately apply their knowledge. Discussions also highlighted the growing demand for eco-friendly products, positioning attendees to tap into regional and tourism markets.
As the session closed, Mr. Frith reaffirmed the SDC’s commitment to scaling such initiatives. “Empowerment is a journey. Today was one milestone but we are already planning follow-up trainings and mentorship to ensure these entrepreneurs succeed long-term,” he said.
With bars of handmade products in hand and business plans in motion, Albert Town’s newest innovators left ready to turn nature’s bounty into economic prosperity.
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