The Jamaica Observer Business Leader Awards programme commenced 1996, and it has evolved rapidly into Jamaica's/Caribbean's most prestigious and coveted business award.

Over 100 entrepreneurs have been nominated since the beginning of the programme. This year, the Business Leader Awards will exclusively highlight the success of the Jamaican Diaspora and showcase Jamaicans who have been operating businesses within their adopted countries. It is hoped that this initiative will sow the seeds for greater economic co-operation between the local business sector and Jamaicans abroad who have been able to amass capital through successful businesses.