Entrepreneurs urged to join business associations to strengthen readiness for contract opportunities

KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica (YEA), Cordell Williams, is encouraging micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become more actively involved in business associations as Jamaica expands opportunities for local businesses through public procurement, reconstruction projects and other government-led initiatives.

Williams said that while government agencies must continue to address structural barriers that make it difficult for smaller businesses to participate, entrepreneurs also have a responsibility to strengthen their own readiness, and business associations can play a critical role in helping them do so.

Her comments follow the launch of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF)-YEA Business Development Centre, an initiative designed to provide entrepreneurs with more accessible support in areas including business development, procurement readiness, mentorship, training, financing, market access and professional services.