Micro-business is booming thanks to ACE and American business partners.   Our Micro-business program exemplifies our motto: "Changing Lives and Transforming Communities." To learn about our Micro-business mission click here. Click here to see pre-approved Jamaican entrepreneurs who need sponsorship. God is working in the hearts of American business people who have been blessed in their personal careers. He's encouraging them to share their experience and expertise with Jamaicans. These Americans are teaching Jamaican adults how to set and reach goals and start and manage new businesses.

Jump starting Micro-Businesses in St. Mary … Marla had been working in an area of St. Mary called Marlboro. A quaint area in the hills where everyone did a “little” farming. Many of the women Marla met were already working in groups sewing, farming, and baking. The issue was it was too small scale for most of the women to move up into a higher income without the help of larger, more productive equipment to help them grow. Marla contacted several of her friends from abroad and within a few weeks, friends of ACE came down in what was to be the first micro-business “vision” workshop. The Pioneer of this venture was Carey Smith and Jim Taylor from Ohio. Friends who saw the need and felt with their background experience could offer assistance. We are grateful for their vision and willingness to forge forward with what has become the micro-business side of ACE. Today, Ms. Teri Barhorst is the Director of ACE Micro-business Division. Teri works as a full time Volunteer living in Jamaica with ACE. (you may want Teri to send you a bit of background info to finish the info)

Here are some business owners we are proud to support:

Dion - Lack of funds had previously stopped her from fulfilling her dream of owning her own store. Now, she has her store and she’s selling, smiling and paying back her loan so others will be able to see their dreams come true.

The Marlboro Stitchers Group - They’ve been sewing for years, but just purchased their own heat transfer machine for lettering and placing logos on shirts. Ms. Johnson, the head stitcher, says the new machine now allows them to make sports uniforms for schools in the area.

Melisia - She’s raising pigs, chickens and now “layers”- that’s egg layers for you city folk! She’s expanded her business to double her current chicken count. She’s always looking for ways to employ neighbors who need the work.

Ms. Irma - Her new “Patty Warmer” has her selling the fresh native- Jamaican food everyday to the public. (If you haven’t been to Jamaica for a patty, they’re like a meat pie and worth the trip!) Ms. Irma’s business has doubled with her new warmer.

ACE/Galina Breeze is an investor in the community and proud to be part of the economic growth cycle, not only in helping with the start-ups, but also in supporting the businesses long-term. The hotel is the largest purchaser of goods in our area. Besides families growing and prospering from our micro-business programs, the local churches benefit as each business owner gives to his/her church.

Additionally, the micro-businesses recruit young people who want to learn the trade to continue the business in the future. We believe God has us creating this program and supporting this business cycle to not just talk about His love for us, but also to show in a real way He does love us and wants to be part of our everyday relationships.

If you have a business background and would like to become involved in our Micro-Business ventures in St. Mary, please contact Teri Barhorst, Micro-Business Volunteer Director via email.

We’d love to see you on the next Micro-Business trip.

Check out our Micro-Business flyer.