Growth & Jobs | Agri, tourism sectors to benefit from unconditional MSME grants

The Blue Mahoe Charitable Foundation (BMCF) and the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide unconditional grants to micro and small businesses (MSMEs) in St Elizabeth and surrounding communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa. David Mullings, chairman of BMCF, and John Henzell, chairman of BREDS, formally executed the symbolic signing earlier this month at 10A West Kings House Road, in the presence of key stakeholders and prospective beneficiaries.

The partnership forms part of BMCF’s broader ‘Together We Rise – From Crisis to Commerce’ initiative, an impact-driven recovery programme focused on rebuilding, restocking, and repairing Jamaica’s MSME sector.

Phase One will prioritise unconditional grants for MSMEs, most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, delivered through partnerships with carefully selected local organisations.

Mullings framed the initiative as a model of impact-led capitalism. “I strongly believe in giving back, uplifting others, and teaching people to fish, not just giving them the fish. I call it compassionate capitalism.”

He further explained that the foundation’s mission is to help businesses move from crisis to commerce. “The BMCF embodies this philosophy. We’re not just providing aid; we’re rebuilding livelihoods and restoring economic independence. Jamaica’s MSME sector is the backbone of our communities, and, by helping small business owners restock, repair, and rebuild with dignity, we’re creating jobs and catalysing sustainable recovery from the ground up.”

TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE

The initiative was launched at a time when thousands of small enterprises,including food vendors, farmers, fisherfolk, tourism and tour operators, market vendors, and small retailers, have suffered significant losses of inventory, equipment, and, in many cases, their primary source of income.

Eligible micro-businesses with zero to five employees may receive grants of up to $150,000, while small businesses with six to 20 employees may receiveup to $500,000 to support inventory replacement, equipment repairs, facility restoration, and restart capital. Unlike traditional financing, these grants are unconditional, designed to restore liquidity quickly and allow business owners to reopen without the burden of debt.

Henzell, underscored the importance of strong partnerships and diaspora engagement in delivering impact. “By combining diaspora resources with trusted local leadership, we are ensuring that assistance reaches the people who need it most – quickly, transparently, and with lasting impact. With this agreement, we are able to move resources directly into the hands of business owners who are the backbone of our communities.”Echoing that commitment to collaboration, Sophia Harris, executive director of the BMCF, said the initiative provides the diaspora with a credible and impactful way to give back to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. “Our Foundation gives the diaspora access to a transparent and accountable way of supporting recovery efforts. Throughout my career as a consultant, trainer, and mentor to entrepreneurs around the world, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience of

Jamaica’s MSME owners, and, with the right support, they don’t just survive;

they create jobs. With unconditional grants and strong partnerships, we can

initiate real recovery.”

With its deep community footprint in Treasure Beach and surrounding areas,

BREDS will lead application intake, vetting, site verification, and on-the-ground disbursement, ensuring transparency and measurable impact.

The MoU takes effect immediately and will run for an initial two-year period,

with structured impact reporting, donor transparency, and joint public

storytelling forming core pillars of the programme. Donations to support the

programme may be made via the BMCF’s website at https://islandforward.com/.