SMEs Encouraged to Fuel Growth through 2022 Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme

February 6, 2022 - Small and medium sized business owners who are ready to transform their business, and take things to the next level, are being invited to apply for the 2022 Scotiabank Vision Achiever (SVA) programme.

Participants in the 11th cohort sponsored by the Bank will be exposed to a 17- week business coaching programme, led by ActionCOACH, Marcia Woon Choy, and will benefit from one-on-one business consultations, and participate in courses designed to significantly improve the operations and earnings of their businesses.

“I am very happy that I participated in the programme. The revenue of my business has grown significantly because of the initiatives that I have implemented from the programme. My staff compliment has also increased, and as a result we have had to change location,” said Cyreca McGraw-Smith, of McGraw and Company, one of the top three participants in the 2021 Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme.

According to McGraw-Smith, it is important to follow the advice given during the sessions and implement as many of them as possible. “Don’t just go because you are selected for the programme. Learn as much as you can, and most importantly - do the homework, and this will definitely help you to improve your business,” she said.

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever programme has helped, through intricate training, to develop more than 300 businesses since its inception in 2011. The programme has been designed to impart the core competencies required for running a profitable business.

These include sales, systemizing  business processes, marketing and understanding business financials; but more importantly, building each participant’s capacity as a leader.

“Jamaica’s small and medium-sized enterprises play a key role in the economy and their survival is also pivotal in driving Jamaica’s economic recovery amidst the ongoing pandemic. Scotiabank remains steadfast in our role as a key enabler in this process and the SVAs are one of many ways through which we are fulfilling this commitment,” said Perrin Gayle, Head of Retail Banking and Small Business for Scotiabank Caribbean North and Central.

“We are incredibly proud of all of the participants that have been empowered and are now reaping the benefits of the content and mentorship provided. Their success attests to the invaluable contribution of the Scotiabank Vision Achiever programme over the past 11 years,” Gayle added.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 programme will be offered virtually, but participants can expect the same intensity and exposure from the insightful guidance of the expert coach.

The 2022 participants will also receive attractive prizes from this years’ sponsors, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), the iCreate Institute, the Gleaner Company and Trend Media. Prizes will include cash, business advertising value, training opportunities, gift certificates and more.

SVA is open to any business, including companies which are not currently customers of the Bank. To be eligible, applicants must be either a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation or limited liability company in operation for a minimum of two years.

The business should have an annual turnover and or sale of at least US$100K in the last fiscal year and business owners should be above the age of 21 and Jamaican nationals in good credit standing.

SMEs interested in being part of the upcoming Scotiabank Vision Achiever programme are invited to register online at jm.scotiabank.com and include a paragraph (no more than 350 words) describing why they should be selected, and how participating in this programme will benefit them.

The deadline for submission is February 13, 2022.