Diane Edwards President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation
Winner: Best use of partnerships
Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)
EXPORT MAX III
‘The award gives a golden halo to our businesses. It brings them to a global audience and expands their reach.’
Diane Edwards President, Jampro
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
‘A real partnership project that includes all the steps in helping companies export their products or services.’
‘It's tailor-made for 50 companies, and the results were well monitored.’
‘Each partner has a specific role, and the funding is crystal clear.’
‘Companies have significantly increased their exports, learned new skills and built beneficial linkages.’
AT A GLANCE
Adapting to clients’ needs
Ten years ago, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) realized its services supported most clients, but micro and small companies were not exporting as expected. They lacked export capacity, sales were not growing, and they were not tapping into foreign markets. JAMPRO started the Export Max programme to support these small companies.
Public-private partnerships are at the heart of this programme, now in its third round. JAMPRO enlisted the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation to build the export capacity of 50 small companies through training, mentorship, and group financing.
While most businesses felt setbacks during the pandemic, Export Max III companies grew in sales, found new export markets and moved toward sustainable processes.
A sweet trade. Annilu Baking Company staff receive a visit from Prime Minister of Jamaica at the Penn Relays promotions in Philadelphia, USA.
Jordan Harris (Shavuot representative) showcasing company products at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, USA.
LOOKING CLOSER
Partnerships to grow the initiative
Strategic partnerships expanded Export Max III from 15 to 50 companies. This three-year programme allowed time to dive deeper into training and achieve ambitious economic growth goals.
Sectors and business sizes:
- 70% micro-, 20% small- and 10% medium-sized companies
- Food, non-food, creative and services sectors
- 48% woman-led companies
What partnership looks like
Public and private partners led in their areas of expertise to address business challenges: the development corporation trained in export skills, the exporters association provided mentorship and advocacy, and JAMPRO found new markets.
- Training – expanded capacity to address gaps in 14 subjects including certification processes, product design, strategic planning, risk management and others.
- Mentorship – paired companies with mentors for six months. Mentors helped companies expand into new markets, connect with distributors, gain access to suppliers and learn digital marketing.
- Connection – coordinated access to trade fairs, market research and virtual meetings with targeted buyers.
- Certification – coached food sector businesses through certifications necessary for markets in Canada, Europe and the USA.
- Financing – tailored financing at reduced rates from four partner banks.
King's Jamaican Wellness attracts attention with its range of stevia sweetened coffee and chocolate products.
MEASURING SUCCESS
Benefits of many voices
JAMPRO found solutions with the power of a public-private coalition behind them.
- Advocacy — JAMPRO negotiated for the 50 companies resulting in lower tariffs and air freight costs from the postal service. During COVID-19 restrictions, JAMPRO found safe solutions to get small companies back to work.
- Building trust — Mentoring created trust between small and large companies. These exchanges are a shift within the national business culture.
- Digitalization — COVID-19 lockdowns brought micro and small companies into the digital age. Companies moved online to sell their products within and outside of Jamaica.
- Social and environmental responsibility — One-third of companies trained local workers in woodworking, crafts and farming. Twenty-five percent of companies started wastewater treatment and solar energy programmes.
Relationships are the answer
Connection means success to JAMPRO and Export Max. JAMPRO keeps regular contact through phone calls and factory visits. The close relationships result in more companies seeking advice from JAMPRO when difficulties arise. They have laid the foundation for a network of Jamaican exporters.
What is next?
Women led almost half of Export Max III companies. One partner bank is committing to credit support for these businesses. JAMPRO expects incentives such as these will attract more women-led companies to their initiative.
JAMPRO is energized to see sponsors come to them with new ideas. Financial institutions are developing exporter clubs for grants. The national government is eager to continue the Export Max initiative.
‘We are elated by the announcement of this award which signals that together we have a winning formula.’
Valerie Veira
Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Business Development Corporation
‘This is fantastic news! We are happy that our work is being recognized globally, a high point as we execute National Exporters’ Month activities.’
Kamesha Blake
Executive Director, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association
‘The Export Max programme has had a significant impact on my business. It offered new information, new points of view from cohorts and experts alike and new frameworks on how to grow Mango Tales Ltd. We can now be more confident in our alignment with the market, organization and development of systems for increasing our international trade.’
Natalie Forrester
Chief Executive Officer, Mango Tales (Publishing sector)
‘Participating in Export Max has provided us with significant exposure and guidance to the right resources and information. We hope to further expand our operations into the South American, Middle Eastern and East Asian markets within the next five years.’
Sophia Pearce
Chief Executive Officer, Spring Gardens Processors Ltd.
JAMAICA PROMOTIONS CORPORATION
CONTACT Diane Edwards President
ADDRESS 18 Trafalgar Road Kingston Jamaica
WEBSITE www.dobusinessjamaica.com
