SCOTIABANK has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jamaican businesses by once again sponsoring the Jamaica Promotions Corporation’s (Jampro) Export Max programme.

Building on years of successful partnership, the bank continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses. This year, Scotiabank has committed $1.5 million to the programme.

Launched in 2011, Export Max is a collaborative initiative led by Jampro in partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

The programme is designed to accelerate the export readiness and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

It provides participating companies with a comprehensive two-year support package focused on capacity development, export promotion, mentorship, and advocacy.

Key areas of support include financial management, productivity enhancement, sales and export training, access to financing, marketing strategy development, participation in trade missions and fairs, cross-border selling, deal closure, and contract negotiation.

Scotiabank’s renewed sponsorship will assist with advancing the programme’s goal of equipping 50 Jamaican SMEs with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve their export ambitions.

This includes support for international marketing initiatives, such as trade missions.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Export Max programme for another year,” said Pamela Douglas, senior manager, business banking at Scotiabank.

“In addition to this year’s sponsorship, we contributed $9 million to the programme in 2019. Small businesses are a vital sector for the bank and, even more so, a catalyst for Jamaica’s economic growth. We believe our continued investment in this initiative will empower SMEs to grow and thrive,” added Douglas.

Scotiabank also recently reported that its commercial loan portfolio increased by 12 per cent over the previous year, underscoring its strong market presence and commitment to the growth and development of the segment.

Additionally, the bank continues to support small businesses through specially designed development programmes, such as Scotia Vision Achiever and Scotiabank Women Initiative.