“We all rely on each other.” So said President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica Christopher Zacca this morning. A simple and true statement. We had better start believing in it.
And today, a large and successful Jamaican firm, National Bakery, joined hands with eight new entrepreneurs. These are the “Bold Ones,” the appointed champions and the vanguard of manufacturing in Jamaica. They (and their predecessors) offer hope for Jamaica’s economic growth.
This is the third year of National Bakery’s Bold Ones initiative, which has so far provided support to the tune of J$90 million to 27 small businesses. The firm’s Director of Operations Steven Sykes sought tax-compliant firms seven years old or younger; employing at least five people; and using indigenous materials to create good quality products. Under the program, National Bakery provides largely marketing support. Over the next six months it will fund multi-media promotional packages and extensive advertising (including on the bakery’s ubiquitous vans). It will also raise the profile of these businesses by exhibiting their products at Jamaica’s top trade exposition, Expo Jamaica (April 3 – 6, 2014 at the National Arena in Kingston).
Two of the original Bold Ones of 2010, Michelle Smith and Dennis Hawkins, told us of their experiences, and had some words of advice for the 2014 group. Ms. Smith, who is Managing Director of Chocolate Dreams, said the program offers a “golden opportunity for small business,” helping to push them out into the marketplace. She has since expanded her plant, opened gift shops in Loshusan Supermarket and at Montego Bay’s international airport – and just completed her first export order to Antigua. Dennis Hawkins, who heads Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Ltd, says his firm has experienced significant growth since 2010, with exports to the North East USA, UK and Canada now accounting for over 70 per cent of his business. He has more than doubled his factory space.
And what is absolutely necessary when starting out in a small manufacturing business? The 2010 Bold Ones said: Have a vision. Write a plan. Be prepared to work, and hard. Take some risks, but listen to advice. Gather information. Go for quality. Think long-term, not “get rich quick.” Have a good financial reporting system. Look after your employees. Have your employees buy into your dream. Believe in your brand. Wear your brand!
So (dramatic drum roll….) Let me introduce the Bold Ones 2014 to you, one by one:
Bartley’s All in Wood, creators of small items in wood – including beautiful jewelry designed by Managing Director Lacey-Ann Bartley. Contact info: http://www.bartleysfurniture.com.jm. Email: info@bartleysfurniture.com.jm. Tel: 348-0934. Also on Facebook and Twitter @Bartley_s
D’NexStep Sandals and Accessories, founded by Dorrette Ubanks, makes hand-crafted leather sandals and shortly belts and handbags. Contact info: http://www.dnexstep.com. Email: dnexstep@gmail.com. Tel: 967-2187. Also on Facebook and Twitter @DNexStepSandals
EcoFarms Jamaica, producers of organic gourmet honey products including Buzz honey wines (mead) and Honey Stix confectionery. Contact info: http://www.ecofarmsjamaica.com. Email: info@ecofarmsjamaica.com. Tel: 477-2880. Also on Facebook.
Irie Rock, headed by Racquell Brown, manufactures natural beauty and skin care products. Contact info: http://www.irierock.com. Email: info@irierock.com. Tel: 457-0746. Also on Facebook.
Journey’s End Wine Company, headed by Howard Coxe, produces delicious local wines: ackee, pimento, coffee and more! Contact info: https://sites.google.com/site/journeysendwinejamaica/ Tel: 401-4476.
Lifespan Limited, bottlers of high-alkaline spring water in Spring Garden, Portland. Contact info: http://www.lifespanspringwater.com. Email: lifespan1@cwjamaica.com. Tel: 633-7540. Also on Facebook and Twitter @lifespansw
Lincoln Gordon & Sons create a range of jerk sauces and condiments as well as natural teas. Contact info: 369-2479/987-2855. Order online: gordonlincoln@ymail.com. Also on Facebook (LincolnsNatural).
Spring Vale Enterprises, manufacturers of natural fruit-flavored salad dressings and vinaigrette. Contact info: http://www.springvaleproducts.com. Email: springvaleenterprises@gmail.com. Tel: 322-6622/890-0963. Also on Facebook and Twitter @SpringValeEnt
Just a note from social media-minded me: I could not find some of the above businesses on Twitter, and would recommend that they join soon! It’s a great marketing tool and a way of keeping in touch with customers…And of course a Facebook page is a must for small businesses.
Many thanks to National Bakery for this generous support – and to the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and Private Sector Organization of Jamaica for their enthusiastic endorsement of the “Bold Ones.” Good luck and congratulations to all these small businesses. You face the challenges of a difficult economic environment, but you are so inspiring – all of you!
And this is one of my mantras for 2014: Wherever and whenever you can: “Buy Jamaican”!
Petchary's Blog 
My husband loves hot sauce and tries all new ones. As for the jerk sauce, the family likes me to stay away from it, especially since I erred the first time I used it. I basically used the entire bottle on the chicken wings. They were so hot, the kids and I could not go near them. Hubby ate them, but paid for it later.
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