KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Flow Foundation, in partnership with Young Women and Men of Purpose, has launched a $5 million entrepreneurship programme aimed at supporting small business development in St Thomas.

In a release on Monday, the foundation shared that the initiative, called the REAP Entrepreneurship Programme, was officially launched on January 7 at the Golden Shore Resort in Lyssons, Morant Bay. It will support 30 emerging entrepreneurs over a six-month period, running from December 2025 to May 2026.

According to organisers, the programme is designed to provide participants with business training and development support to help them establish and grow sustainable enterprises. Areas of training include entrepreneurship fundamentals, health and wellness for business owners, small business accounting, marketing, and pitching for funding.

Executive Director of Young Women and Men of Purpose, Lanisia Rhoden, said the programme was developed to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking structured guidance and practical support as they develop their businesses.

In addition to classroom-based training, participants will receive mentorship and exposure through business field trips and conference participation. The programme will also offer technical support from Vision 2030 Jamaica agents through the Planning Institute of Jamaica.

Participant Kayan Douglas, owner and creative designer of Kadres Designs, said the programme would provide tools that could be applied directly to business operations, including brand development and customer engagement.

As part of the initiative, the top 10 business pitches emerging from the programme will each receive $100,000 in seed funding to support business expansion and innovation.

Executive Director of the Liberty Caribbean Foundation and Flow Foundation, Rhys Campbell, said the programme reflects a focus on supporting small businesses, which play a key role in economic activity and community development.