In a continued effort to increase local economic activities in communities, the Social Development Commission (SDC) hosting a hands-on soap-making workshop at Rusea’s High School in Hanover on August 20, 2024. This initiative, part of the SDC’s broader Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical, marketable skills to boost local economic resilience.
Thirty participants attended the session, which was led by Dorceen Jennings, also known as “Super Shae,” a successful Local Economic Initiative (LEI) from St. James. Jennings, an expert in artisanal soap-making, provided an engaging and interactive training experience, ensuring that attendees not only learned the craft but also gained the confidence to apply these skills in their businesses.
The SDC further demonstrated its commitment to economic empowerment by awarding grants totaling $50,000 to three participants who met specific criteria. To qualify, participants had to be registered as an LEI with the SDC, have completed at least two other SDC capacity-building sessions, and show a clear intent to use their newly acquired skills to expand their businesses.
One of the grant recipients, Jason Black, owner of West Jamaica Seamoss, expressed his enthusiasm: “The training was exceptional. I attended to learn how to incorporate sea moss into soap bars, and I’m excited to expand my product line with this new skill. The $15,000 grant I received will help kickstart this venture, and I’m eager to see where it takes my company.”
Avril Ranger, Director of Local Economic Development at the SDC, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to support over 400 Local Economic Initiatives across the island. “This soap-making workshop is just one of many we have planned for the financial year,” said Ranger. “We’ll be covering essential business areas such as bookkeeping, modern marketing, taxation, packaging, and product standardization in upcoming sessions. These initiatives are crucial to our broader strategy of fostering self-reliance and economic resilience within communities.”
The success of the soap-making session at Rusea’s High School underscores the effectiveness of community-centered approaches to economic development. As the SDC continues to roll out similar training sessions, more local entrepreneurs will be equipped with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
By fostering entrepreneurship through skill-building workshops, the SDC is not only creating businesses but also cultivating a sense of economic independence that will benefit communities for generations.
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