AFTER a 10-year hiatus, National Bakery is bringing back its Bold Ones of Manufacturing programme. The return opens a new opportunity for emerging Jamaican manufacturers to access marketing and promotional support designed to strengthen their market presence and expand their reach.

The programme, which previously supported businesses that have become recognised names in Jamaican manufacturing, will welcome a new cohort in January 2027. Its return was announced by National’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Craig Hendrickson, at a press conference last month announcing the company’s launch of its year-long 75th anniversary activities.

Established in 2010 by National’s Chairman Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, the Bold Ones was created to give emerging manufacturers access to marketing and promotional opportunities that they could not afford. National funded initiatives ranging from participation in major trade exhibitions to branding opportunities, all intended to help each cohort of smaller businesses bring their products to the attention of wider audiences.

Among the programme’s former participants are AMG Packaging, Irie Rock, Ettenio, Home Choice, Spring Vale, Spur Tree and Bartley’s All in Wood, businesses that have, to date, continued to establish themselves in Jamaica’s manufacturing sector.

For the 2027 programme, National intends to make a significant investment in the promotion and visibility of selected manufacturers, with a greater emphasis on digital media.

Craig Hendrickson shared his eagerness to relaunch a programme about which his father was so passionate.

“The programme has always been about recognising the potential of Jamaican manufacturers and giving committed entrepreneurs an opportunity to take their businesses further. There are smaller manufacturers making great products who simply need more people to know about them. That’s where our new Bold Ones programme can help make a difference. We want to help put those businesses in front of people who may never have discovered them otherwise,” Hendrickson said.

National Baking Company’s Chairman Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, who established the Bold Ones of Manufacturing programme in 2010, speaking at the press launch of the company’s 75th anniversary celebrations last month.

For Raquel Williams, managing director of Irie Rock, the programme provided valuable exposure during the company’s early development.

“When I started Irie Rock we were in only 20 stores. Today, our products are available in over 300 stores, and we now export to the United Kingdom and the United States. Bold Ones gave us an opportunity to introduce our brand to people who didn’t know we existed. I’m grateful that another group of Jamaican businesses will now have that opportunity to grow their business,” Williams said.

AMG Packaging has also grown considerably since participating in Bold Ones, expanding from a small customer base into a publicly listed Jamaican manufacturing business.

“When I started AMG, we had about 12 customers. Today, we’re listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and have grown into a business serving customers beyond Jamaica. Bold Ones gave emerging manufacturers like me a platform to be seen and taken seriously,” said Michael Chin, general manager of AMG Packaging.

Through the Bold Ones programme, National hopes that more Jamaicans will consider the possibilities that exist within the manufacturing sector and better appreciate the commitment required to build a successful business in the industry.

Applications will open on November 18 and close December 18, 2026. Participating businesses must be registered, tax-compliant Jamaican manufacturers that have been operating for 10 years or less and are committed to growing their businesses.

Further details on the application process will be available through National Bakery’s social media pages and designated Bold Ones website: @nationalbakery and nationalbakingcompany.com/bold-ones/.