KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) and the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the mutual objectives of contributing to national development through the provision of business training for companies and internship for students.

According to a release today, the MoU was signed by Chairman of the University and Foundation Boards and Executive Chancellor of UCC Professor Dennis J Gayle and President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica, Hugh Johnson, at the 2019 Caribbean Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus on Wednesday.

The agreement signals continued efforts by UCC to forge partnerships with various organisations in an effort to promote advanced learning, training and development and to provide an environment for students to gain much needed experience, the release said.

The SBAJ is a private, non-profit business organisation which fosters and encourages the growth and development of businesses and professional groups in Jamaica. It also serves as a corporate voice through which small businesses can make their views known to Government and the public in general.

According to Gayle, under the MoU, the UCC will among other things “propose to the SBAJ relevant training programmes that its members can access at a discounted cost through its Corporate Education Division and source required products or services from members of the association whenever possible”.

Members of the association will in turn, where possible, provide internship to students and participate in relevant conferences, workshops and seminars scheduled at UCC.

Another major highlight of the agreement is the participation of SBAJ member companies in UCC’s technology based affiliate marketing or student referral programme.

Companies which choose to participate in this initiative will also be given the opportunity to earn a commission per enrolled student at the institution, the UCC said.