The Social Development Commission (SDC) is set to launch a two-day Business Clinic aimed at empowering local cosmetology professionals. The event, scheduled for September 18 and 19, 2024, forms part of the SDC’s efforts to assist grassroots entrepreneurs in formalizing their businesses and gaining access to critical funding.
The initiative builds on the success of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) Special Entrepreneurial Project, which was introduced in 2021 and has since impacted over 700 citizens island wide and approximately 115 residents from West Kingston and West Central St. Andrew. This St. Andrew business clinic will focus on 51 cosmetology entrepreneurs, providing them with guidance to develop actionable growth plans and offering direct access to funding bodies and service providers.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Avril Ranger, Director of Local Economic Development at the SDC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to fostering sustainable local businesses. “At the SDC, we recognize the potential of grassroots entrepreneurs to drive economic development within their communities. This Business Clinic is about more than just providing information; it’s about giving these entrepreneurs the tools and support they need to formalize their businesses, access funding, and grow,” said Ranger.
The clinic will feature two interactive sessions. Session One will guide participants through the process of developing growth strategies, while Session Two will facilitate direct engagement with agencies such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), the Companies Office of Jamaica, and HEART/NSTA Trust. Participants will receive valuable insights on the requirements for securing grants and loans, as well as services to help strengthen their business portfolios.
The SDC currently supports 43 local economic initiatives in Kingston and St. Andrew, employing over 100 individuals and investing more than $14.7 million JMD in grassroots businesses. Ranger noted the broader impact of such initiatives, stating, “The Business Clinic is just one of many steps we’re taking to support entrepreneurs across various sectors. By equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed, we’re investing in the future of their businesses and, by extension, the communities they serve.”
The SDC, along with its partners, will monitor the progress of clinic participants over a six-month period, evaluating their ability to implement the knowledge gained and to access financing for growth. The Commission is already looking ahead to future projects, with plans to offer practical training sessions in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, RADA, and HEART/NSTA Trust for sectors like food service, with certification at the end of the process.
The SDC remains committed to empowering local entrepreneurs and contributing to Jamaica’s economic development by providing the support needed to sustain and grow grassroots businesses.
For more information on the Business Clinic or future SDC initiatives, contact the Social Development Commission.
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