25 SMEs Announced for Transformational Scotiabank Vision Achiever 2021 Programme

Kingston, Jamaica – March 12, 2021 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, there has never been a more pressing need for organizations to rethink and reconfigure their businesses for a changed world. Amidst these changes and challenges, Scotiabank Jamaica has renewed its commitment to the development of the nation’s SME sector for the tenth consecutive year.

Another 25 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are set to embark on a transformational journey through the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme were announced at the launch of the 2021 edition on Tuesday, March 9.

According to Perrin Gayle, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking, who gave an overview of this year’s programme stated that the Bank remains confident about the relevance of the capacity-building programme, which through intricate training, has helped to develop more than 225 businesses since its inception in 2011.

“Jamaica’s small and medium-sized enterprises play key roles in the economy and the mere fact that these SMEs selected as part of the 2021 cohort are still in business, despite the current challenges facing the sector, makes us optimistic about their capacity for future success,” Gayle said.

Meanwhile, Guest Speaker, Richard Pandohie, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Seprod Limited and President of Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, during his presentation encouraged the Vision Achievers to gain a deep understanding of their businesses, stick to their long-term strategies and understand consumer behaviour especially during the current pandemic. “You need to research and try to understand consumer behavior so you can know how to treat your business. You are creating value and turning that value into a profit for your organization. So, understanding the consumers and what they want and how to fulfil that desire is important,” Pandohie said.

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever is a 17-week, seven module programme, led by Action Coach Marcia Woon Choy. The programme is designed to impart core competencies required for running a profitable business, that will include training in sales, systemizing business processes, marketing and understanding business financials; but more importantly, building each participant’s capacity as a leader. The 2021 Participants will benefit from an investment of over $20 million through the training that will be provided by Scotiabank, with additional prizes of $4 million to be shared between the top three finalists.

This year’s sponsors include the Development Bank of Jamaica; the Gleaner Company (Media) Limited; iCreate Institute, Trend Media and Ashley Furniture Stores.

For 2021, the 25 businesses that will benefit from the programme include: 1920 Investments Ltd, Accuspeed investments Ltd, Avalanche HVAC Consultancy Limited, Avant Academy of Music Limited, Essential medical Services, Inspired By Jaden, J.H.A.M.G.K Traders, Jah-Jireh Herbal Limited, Kenmart Meat and Grocery, Life Skills Publishing & Consultancy Services, McGaw & Company, Melbrook's Security Services, Nature Naturals Limited, Netwave Solutions Jamaica Limited, Novatrex Enterprizes, Optimum Pest Management Services Limited, Patmore’s Funeral Home, Pure Chocolate Limited, Rio Grande Farms Exporters, Saa Consortium, Shae-Mal Auto Parts, Smart Choice Solutions Limited, The Epiphany Beyond Body, Tooth World/St Joseph Dental and T's Pharmacy.

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever programme has been a longstanding part of Scotiabank's offerings to SMEs and is open to any eligible business, including companies not aligned with the bank.

Additional information on the Scotia Vision Achiever programme is available at www.scotiavisionachiever.com.