25 Small businesses spanning various industries are now engrossed in a 17 week programme as they compete for $20 million worth of prizes as part of the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme 2016.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda indicated that the programme is in “keeping with the government’s policy objectives of creating an enhancing business and development support, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation”.

Samuda says “if the country is to continue experiencing growth, then it must build entrepreneurship, build new industries, facilitate new techniques and technologies, and get rid of the impediments to business in this country”. The minister says vital to all of this, is the necessary business development support for MSMEs.

The Scotia Vision Achiever programme, will see participants exposed to a 7-module course over 17 weeks that will include training is sales, systemizing the business process, marketing and understanding business financials. Participants will also benefit from access to one-on-one business consultations, and assistance to create effective business, marketing and financial plans.

The 25 business entities were selected from a total of one hundred and twelve (112) applicants. They represent a cross-section of business categories including pharmaceuticals, tourism, professional groups, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, retail, events management, and catering

Those selected are CB Cabling Technologies Limited, Angels Heath Care, C.O.T. Properties/Pineapple Court Hotel, Clifton’s Machine Shop, David & Subs Outfitters, Di Foto Shoppe Limited, Fashion Addiction, HBG Associates, Hood Daniel Well Company Limited, Jmax Hair And Nail Club, Kaluga Kafe, Krystal Clear Productions, Longville Park Pharmacy, Lumitech International Ltd, Mag Chemicals, Monica Archat Hughes M.A.R.T. Enterprize, Most High Estates Traders, NIC’s Pastries, Practical Endodontics, Sun-Bloc Awnings & Tents Limited ,The E-Biz Centre Limited ,The M Group Limited T/A Candy Craze Candy Bar & Creamery, Waves Beach, Websters Developers Limited and YZ Industries ltd. These companies are located in parishes across the island including Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. Catherine, St. Ann, Kingston and St. Andrew.

A range of prizes will be offered to the top three performers including a special grant of J$500,000 from the Development Bank of Jamaica; business solutions valued at $360,000 from Digicel business; an brand campaign valued at $360,000 from eMedia and digital marketing solutions of $150,000 from Jamaica Yellow Pages and more.