Scotia’s sponsorship of Business Leader Awards driven by commitment to seeing businesses grow
SCOTIABANK Jamaica’s decision to sponsor the Jamaica Observer Business Leader Awards was driven by the financial giant’s commitment to the growth of entrepreneurship in the country.
Now in its 18th year, the Awards is this year recognising the achievements of the owners of businesses that listed on the Junior Stock Exchange.
“We felt it was important to support an initiative that highlights the successes of Jamaican businesses and recognises their contribution to the economy and society,” said Scotiabank Jamaica President and Chief Executive Jacqueline Sharp.
“Scotiabank is very invested in supporting the growth of the private sector, and so the Jamaica Observer Business Leader Awards is a natural fit,” Sharp added.
She pointed out that over the past 125 years, Scotia has partnered with some of the most outstanding companies in Jamaica and promised that the bank, will continue to do so in the years to come.
“We offer financial expertise and a broad range of products and services to all our clients, including some of these outstanding companies [that have been nominated for this year’s awards],” Sharp said.
“Most recently, we launched our 125th Anniversary SME Loan Fund of $500 million, created to provide support to Jamaica’s productive sector and encourage the growth of Small Medium Enterprises. Borrowers are able to access a maximum of $15 million, with interest rates as low as 9.5 per cent per annum (secured),” Sharp said.
“For larger entities, our Scotiabank Capital Markets Division has the expertise to raise financing for business by accessing our local capital markets.”
The history of the bank, as posted on its website, states that it was established in Jamaica in 1889, and has enjoyed a history of changes and transformations from colonialism to Independence.
“What began with a small banking office in Kingston is today a sophisticated islandwide network of 35 branches. With a staff of over 2,000 in Jamaica, Scotiabank provides state-of-the-art retail and commercial banking services to the Jamaican public.”
