As part of efforts to drive innovation and boost operational efficiency, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is actively leading a digital transformation initiative that will help around 500 MSMEs to modernise at least one core internal business process under the EU-funded Digital Jamaica Project.

Launched in 2023, the EU-funded project — managed by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) — is designed to help MSMEs adopt digital solutions across various operational areas. These include e-payments, payroll, human resources, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce, contracts, invoicing and vendor management.

According to Chantol Dormer, manager of JBDC’s project management and research department, while training remains a central focus of the project, the current emphasis is on practical implementation.

“This year, we are targeting 500 MSMEs who will be assisted to digitally transform one of their internal processes. That can be anything, from as simple as us helping them with their social media to something more complex like implementing a CRM system or enterprise resource planning (ERP),” she said.

JBDC, in executing its mandate to support business growth and development, aims to train 2,700 MSMEs in digitisation, digitalisation, and digital transformation by 2026. The overarching goal of the project is to modify or modernise business operations to better align with shifting market demands — resulting in greater efficiency, improved customer engagement, and enhanced long-term competitiveness.

In the first year of the training programme (2024–2025), JBDC trained approximately 1,200 MSMEs islandwide, surpassing its initial target of 700.

Acting CEO of the JBDC Harold Davis, highlighting the need for entrepreneurs to not just understand digital transformation, said it is also imperative for operators to become more proficient in operating within a digital environment.

“One of the critical areas for them to master is being able to operate in a digital environment. That means using digital solutions to transform the value of their business, to communicate with suppliers and their marketplace, to trade effectively, and to conduct financial transactions. The world has already moved there, and we need to get there too,” Davis stated.

Citing findings from a baseline study conducted at the start of the project, Davis expressed concern that only 32 per cent of local MSMEs felt comfortable using digital tools, with most activity confined to social media.

“With the support of the EU, we embarked on the Digital Jamaica Project to move that needle, because this is essential if our MSMEs are to compete internationally and grow sustainably,” he added.

Dormer, further emphasising that the project is not a one-size-fits-all, said its approach has been tailored to meet the unique needs of each business. “Every business is different. For some, it may be implementing e-payments or online invoicing, while for others, payroll or vendor management is the priority. Our role is to guide them through the process so that the technology chosen truly addresses their pain points and delivers measurable impact.”

With selection for the necessary transformation support guided by specific criteria, businesses are urged to complete training sessions up to the digital transformation stage as factors such as business registration are considered before shortlisting.

“Once we’ve done that, there is a digital assessment that tells us where the gaps are in their business. It helps us identify whether it would be best to prioritise marketing, finance, HR, or another process. The assessment gives us a full landscape of where they are, and when we implement the tool, we are bridging at least one of those gaps,” Dormer said.

Providing post-implementation support, businesses are not left to figure things on their own as their progress is actively tracked so as to ensure that the tools are working as intended — undertaken at no cost.

“Everything under the Digital Jamaica Project is free. Because we are utilising funds from the Government of Jamaica and the European Union, we want to ensure that businesses selected are registered and viable. We’re investing in them without requiring any contribution from the MSMEs themselves,” Dormer said.

DAVIS…with the support of the EU, we embarked on the Digital Jamaica Project to move that needle, because this is essential if our MSMEs are to compete internationally and grow sustainably