MSME Stakeholders Welcome Gov’t’s 20 Per Cent Set-Aside Programme – Jamaica Information Service
Local entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) owners have welcomed the Government’s 20 per cent Set-Aside Programme, describing it as a significant catalyst for business growth.
The initiative, which enables the Government to reserve 20 per cent of public procurement contracts for local MSMEs, has been warmly received by business owners.
Entrepreneurs participating in the recent Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) Growth and Resilience Conference 2026, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the programme presents.
Latoya Williams, proprietor of Toy Gift Home, specialises in corporate gifting and everyday celebrations, offering plants and personalised gift packages that combine quality, creativity and aesthetic appeal at affordable prices.
The business owner notes that the initiative represents a significant breakthrough for small business owners.
“I think it’s excellent. It certainly breaks that barrier that we as micro businesses face, in terms of getting into government procurement. So I think it’s a wonderful signal to all businesses, the economy, Jamaicans on a whole, to say, ‘hey…we’re open to even the micro and small businesses out there’. So, I welcome that announcement,” Ms. Williams says.
For Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Sage Delights, Shaun-Antoinette Grant, business growth is deeply rooted in her commitment to preserving and promoting Jamaica’s cultural heritage.
Starting 22 years ago with wedding cakes, Ms. Grant has since evolved her business into the year-round production of authentic Jamaican fruit cakes, offered in vacuum-sealed packaging and convenient bite-sized portions.
Through her involvement with the SBAJ, where she now serves as a committee member, Ms. Grant has utilised trade shows and international trade missions to strengthen her manufacturing processes and enhance her packaging standards.
Now, with the 20 per cent Set-Aside Programme in place, she is enthusiastic about the growth opportunities it presents and is encouraging fellow small business owners to take advantage of the initiative.
“I think it’s a wonderful initiative… . I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I encourage any entrepreneur to really lay aside some thoughts as to how to prepare their business, their company, [and] be a part of it. I’m happy that this opportunity is here,” she states.
That sentiment of readiness is echoed by Arriel Jones, founder of Arimode, whose business produces 100 per cent handmade bags, travel pouches and accessories.
Carrying on a sewing tradition passed down through generations from her great-grandmother, Ms. Jones uses trade expositions as an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and increase brand visibility.
For her, reserving public procurement contracts for artisans and micro-manufacturers is a welcome recognition of the vital role they play in driving Jamaica’s creative industries.
“I think it’s a great strategy, because small businesses… we’re the backbone of the country. The well-known companies, people know those… but Jamaica is full of talent. We have so many talented people in this country, and to see that the Government is taking that initiative, I support it 100 per cent… and I’m grateful for that opportunity,” Ms. Jones points out.
She adds that she intends to take full advantage of the programme, noting that her goal is to see the Arimode brand gain recognition both locally and internationally.