Small business makes big strides
Published:Friday | June 18, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern
EXPO Jamaica 2010 is providing a sea of networking opportunities for prospective and well-established business persons to boost promotion of their products or ideas.
One company in the spotlight is Virtually Here, a business that proposes to 'take care of business' for small or start-up companies both inside and outside Jamaica.
The brainchild of Beverly Palmer, Virtually Here is located on Windsor Avenue and is marketed to businesses that do not require or cannot afford office space.
Palmer is 'head cook and bottle washer' for five companies providing everything from seminars to property management. Palmer yesterday seemed proud of the suite of options she provides for her prospective clients.
"If there is a smarter way of working, we will provide it, because we are committed to business development," said Palmer. She said her company helps others to stretch their dollar, a constant concern in a recession-stifled economy.
"We can match any budget because our facilities and business support come without the higher costs and commitment of a full-time office."
Palmer, who has clients as far away as Washington, DC, said her business was ideal for those who could not constantly be in the island. Those businesses can benefit from payroll, meetings, mail and correspondence services.
Filling the gap
Dr K'admawe K'Nife, entrepreneurial studies lecturer in the Department of Management Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, said businesses like Virtually Here fill an entrepreneurship vacuum in Jamaica.
K'Nife said such companies "are important in the absence of an entrepreneurial policy in Jamaica".
While applauding recent efforts, by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce to formulate a micro, small and medium-size enterprise (MSME) policy, K'Nife said that Virtually Here and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation were the true visionaries needed to facilitate growth in entrepreneurship.
"These groups cater to MSMEs and these are the true drivers of the economy. They have the highest potential. They generally produce the highest level of performance in the economy," he said.
K'Nife pointed out that mature companies often stagnate and do not grow as rapidly or provide as many jobs as MSMEs.
Palmer's Virtually Here has been receiving mixed reviews from the market. The relatively new concept is strange to some, so she spends a lot of time explaining it to prospective clients.
However, Palmer is confident that things will pan out.
"It's all about getting the company out there. That's the major challenge. It's all very different from how we are accustomed to doing business in Jamaica but times are changing and we've got to change with it," she said.
EXPO Jamaica, jointly hosted by the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association and the Jamaica Exporters' Association, opened yesterday at the National Arena and will end tomorrow.