THE Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is expanding its reach into retail, with the launch of its e-commerce website, which will sell products marketed under Things Jamaican, as well as the scheduled opening of a sixth store in Negril.

At the same time, JBDC’s financial services unit plans to upfront money to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), which qualify for a new grant-funding initiative being facilitated by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA).

The funds, which are being provided through the agency’s Direct Assistance Scheme, ranges from 5,000 ($582,300) to 30,000 euros ($3.5 million) and are accessible to businesses involved in; alternative energy, agriculture, agro-processing, the creative industries, health and wellness, information and communication technology, manufacturing, professional services and tourism.

The website — www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com — for JBDC’s retail arm, Things Jamaican, began operation just over a month ago and has seen a steady increase in interest in the products particularly from consumers in the United States, according to a release from JBDC.

JBDC CEO Valerie Veira notes that the Things Jamaican e-commerce portal will assist the store in expanding its mandate to providing international market access for micro and small manufacturers.

“This is one of the avenues we plan to use to showcase brand Jamaica abroad. We recognise that Jamaicans are everywhere in the world and when they begin to long for a taste of home, we want them to know that Things Jamaican through its e-portal, www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com is here to satisfy all those cravings for home-made products.”

Things Jamaican stores, which offer an array of products ranging from craft to coffee and spices, have been operational for over 10 years and are located in Kingston at Devon House and the Corporate Store at 14 Camp Road, Kingston. Stores are also located at the Port Antonio Marina and the Norman Manley and Donald Sangster International Airports. A sixth store is scheduled to be open in Negril shortly.

The upfront financing, or ‘bridging loans’ that JBDC plans to offer are meant to shorten the time successful applicants under the CEDA initiative will have to wait to get funding once they get approved. Subsequently, when the grant funds become available, monies will be reimbursed to JBDC.

Businesses applying for assistance are required to be operational for two years.

CEDA is a regional export development and trade, and investment promotion organisation of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM). Its main goal is to help businesses to survive and prosper through the provision of business advice, consultancy, training and financial support.

Applications close on Monday, November 28, 2011.