Micro-businesses in St. Mary, Jamaica are booming thanks to ACE and our supportive American business partners.

We have officially launched our Micro-Business program where our motto is “Changing Lives and Transforming Communities.”

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... When Jim Taylor and Carey Smith brought friends from Ohio to ACE, they led a micro-business seminar in St. Mary.  The little building was flooded with locals wanting to validate their ideas and learn how to start their own local businesses. After the seminar, Jim and Carey set up a loan program for the most successful candidates: those who had finished the course and had the best business plans. We now have 5 new businesses thanks to their efforts!

Here are some of the new business owners we are proud to support in our community:

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 gives to their 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 Carey Smith, Micro-Business Volunteer Director via email.

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

Click now for a Micro Business flyer.