KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the country joins the international community in observing World MSME Day.

According to a release, the observance, being held under the theme “Human-Centred Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future,” highlights the vital role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, employment and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The PPC said executive director Nadia Morris is encouraging Jamaicans to recognise and celebrate the contribution of MSMEs, noting that they account for 97 per cent of employers in Jamaica and 70 per cent of employment globally.

“In today’s digitally connected and globally competitive environment, MSMEs need to consistently hone innovative strategies and best practices in business sustainability,” Morris said.

She added that the commission remains committed to helping MSMEs realise their full potential through professional and technical support.

The release said the PPC will intensify its capacity-building efforts during the 2026/27 financial year with the launch of its MSME Procurement Integration Project on July 3 at Iberostar in Montego Bay, St James.

The launch will coincide with the first Procurement Readiness Boot Camp for MSMEs in St James, Trelawny and Hanover. The 12-month initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, and several of their agencies.

The project is intended to help MSMEs complete supplier registration with the PPC, better understand and respond to government procurement opportunities, navigate the Public Procurement (Set-Asides) Order, 2019, and strengthen their ability to compete for public contracts.

The release noted that the Set-Asides Order reserves 20 per cent of government procurement opportunities for eligible Jamaican suppliers and that the project will establish a verified list of MSMEs for use by government procuring entities.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Industry Minister Aubyn Hill and Morris are expected to address the launch.

The Development Bank of Jamaica is among the project’s partners.

Its managing director, Dr David Lowe, said the initiative will help businesses access government procurement opportunities while supporting their growth and competitiveness.

The second phase of the Procurement Readiness Boot Camps is scheduled for September and will target MSMEs in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.