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JBDC helping small businesses

Published:Friday | May 24, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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Corrinne Welds (left), advertising consultant, and Lyndia Earle, digital manager of Jamaica Yellow Pages, chat with Leighton Morgan, entrepreneur, at the JBDC Small Business Expo.
Marlene Simpson (left) interacts with Michelle Morris, communications officer of the Scientific Research Council, who was showcasing a number of products at the expo. - PHOTOS BY Rudolph Brown/Photographer
Nicole Brown-Grant, managing director of The Peachtree Centre, believes small-business owners should be able to focus on other aspects of their businesses, not their accounting software. She was speaking at the JBDC Small Business Expo at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday.
Alleyne Graham, marketing manager of Jamaica Yellow Pages, was present at the JBDC expo to publicise the company's offerings.
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Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

THE JAMAICA Business Development Corporation staged its sixth annual Small Business Expo at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, recently, that saw many small, micro and even large corporate entities turning out to partake of the training opportunities that were available along with the various avenues to promote their companies.The event, which began in 2008, helps to assist in the sustainable creation and development of micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica. Some of the main objectives include providing information on trending topics in the business sector, as well as to assist smallbusiness owners with the necessary skills and processes that will help them grow and improve their operations.

According to Alleyne Graham, marketing manager of Jamaica Yellow Pages (JYP), they participated in the expo because the world is moving towards technology that is helping to drive business development and they wanted to promote their expanded product line that will help businesses reach more consumers.

"The response to our online products was great. Persons understand that the world is changing and businesses are going paperless. When the paradigm shifts, we also have to shift to stay relevant and stay on top of the game," Graham said.

In addition to the printed directory, JYP now offers an online component to include website bundles, banners and tiles, videos, search engine marketing and enhanced profile.

Nicole Brown-Grant, managing director of The Peachtree Centre, said small-business owners should have the flexibility of focusing on more important aspects of their business than on accounting software. The Peachtree Centre was promoting the Sage 50 Accounting 2014 software that can make the stressful part of a small business much easier.

"Sage 50 is designed and delivered by people who understand small business and are ready to give you relevant advice and support when and where you need it. It's an easy-to-use solution that comes with robust core accounting and business management features along with service and support," Grant said.

MULTIPLE PARTICIPANTS

Over 30 exhibitors from a variety of industries including technology, banking, manufacturing, accounting and craft, participated and a number of private and public-sector companies were also on hand to provide support to the MSME sector.

The event was staged in collaboration with title sponsors JYP and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, with additional support from associate partners Wealth Magazine, Herald Printers, National Outdoor Advertising, JAMPRO, Fidelity Motors and various local media.

For more information on the JYP, persons can visit: www.jamaicayp.com

For information on the Sage 50 Accounting 2014 package, visit : www.net-soft.biz

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com