Thirty women entrepreneurs will benefit from business skills training and other support through the Realise, Embrace, Achieve Your Purpose (REAP) Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024.
The initiative aims to empower targeted beneficiaries selected from communities in and around PriceSmart facilities in Kingston and Portmore.
The movement is led by the nonprofit organization Young Women of Purpose (YWOP)/Young Men of Purpose (YMOP).
The project will provide entrepreneurship training, business coaching, mentoring, and up to $3 million in financial support.
Its main objective is to address high unemployment and poverty levels in selected communities by equipping participants with skills to start or formalize a business.
Commenting on the launch of the program today at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in New Kingston, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, said the initiative will be a valuable addition to the development of local MSMEs. He was praised as a contributor. Large and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
“Funded by the PriceSmart Foundation, this powerful initiative of young women and young men with a purpose will provide training opportunities, business coaching, mentorship, and financial support of up to $3 million to 30 young women in the region. “It truly creates an opportunity to provide support to Kingston and Portmore. This project certainly deserves recognition and praise,” he said.
Outlining the program, YWOP/YMOP Founder and Executive Director Lanicia Rhoden said the training facilitated during the project will include entrepreneurship and business management, marketing for small businesses, accounting for small businesses, He said he would focus on the health and wellness of entrepreneurs. .
Entrepreneurs also learn how to create a model canvas for their business and how to pitch for grants.
“They will also benefit from additional workshops from agencies and organizations such as the Jamaica Enterprise Office, the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and Vision 2030. [Jamaica]and other institutions and organizations that support the development of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Jamaica,” she outlined.
Roden also informed that entrepreneurs will benefit from business coaching and mentorship.
PriceSmart Foundation consultant Dr. Bridget Barrett said that in the early stages of the program, the organization would focus on communities in the area. However, she indicated that the organization intends to expand its reach.
“Its purpose is to transform lives and communities and help them thrive together. Supporting and strengthening local communities by investing in youth development, economic opportunity and community and environmental resilience. “We aim to do that,” she said.
Dr Barrett said REAP is one of five projects the foundation will support over the 2023-2024 period.
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