Dear Claudienne

I am seeking information pertaining to organisations that assist persons to start small businesses. Could you please help me.

JT

Dear JT

To have your business registered you should go to the Companies Office of Jamaica.

The Small Business Association (SBA) will help you to prepare the documents required to set up the business. If you are a member of the SBA you will be charged $4,000 for this service. If you are not a member you will be charged $4,500.

You can get advice about your business proposals at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC). Their telephone numbers are 928-5161-5. You can arrange to meet with a business advisor at the JBDC. A JBDC spokesperson told Tell Claudienne that if you already have a product you should take it to the interview, as the advisor will be able to assist you with pricing it and with how to structure the business. If you have an idea, the JBDC will assess it and guide you. The organisation will also assist you to write a business plan and direct you as to where possible funding might be obtained.

Jamaica National (JN) lends money for small business ventures. You can get a JN small business loan of between $30,000 to $1,000,000 to start or develop a business. Before approving the loan they will do an assessment of the business to see if it is feasible. For a loan of between $30,000 to $500,000 they will accept as security: household appliances, motor vehicles not more than 10 years old, or a savings account. For loans of over o$1,000,000 they will accept a land title as collateral.

Before the loan is processed they will ask you for your TRN and an ID. They will also want two written recommendations from a justice of the peace, pastor, school principal or vice-principal or a senior police officer.

You could also apply to the Self Start Fund (SSF) at 10A Parkington Plaza, Kingston 10 for a loan. For loans of over $100,000 you can use a car that is not more than eight years old as security. SSF also accepts land titles and NHT mortgages as collateral for loans.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I was married on November 3, 1984 and my husband died on November 11, 1986. After he died and I applied to the NIS for the burial grant and widow’s pension I was told that I was not eligible for these benefits. To be eligible for the benefits I would need to get a letter stating that I was living with him for two years prior to the marriage.

My file is in a vault at the NIS office and I am seeking your help in accessing the benefits.

Could you obtain clarification for me in regard to eligibility for the NIS widow’s pension?

JNG

Dear JNG

According to the NIS spokesperson, under the NIS Act of 1966, to be eligible for a widow’s pension, a couple has to be married for at least three years or have been in a common-law relationship for at least five years.

A widow under the age of 55 who meets the eligibility criteria qualifies for a one-year pension benefit, the NIS told Tell Claudienne. If she is under the age of 55 but is supporting a child under age 18, she would continue to get the pension until the child’s 18th birthday.

If the widow attained the age of 55 before the child’s 18th birthday she would continue to get a pension for life after the child’s 18th birthday.

A widow under the age of 55 who is unable to work due to illness will get a pension for life, the NIS spokesperson said.

Unfortunately, because of the length of time that has elapsed since your husband died, you would no longer be eligible for a benefit.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.