Did you know that RADA currently assists persons to turn a solid business idea into a lucrative business venture, this can be done through the RADA Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).

The RADA Small Business Development Centre provides interested persons with assistance through consultations and capacity building training sessions to enhance agri-business ventures. From a simple ideation, start –up clients are given training on how to start a business, financial management, marketing in the 21 st Century, Sanitation Hygeine and Food Safety and product development.

Through a hand-holding process the well trained, certified and qualified SBDC team also assists clients (in moving from one tier to another) to get their business officially registered, access to finance and tracking progress.

This fulsome programme which was established in 2019 by the Government of Jamaica with Jamaica Business Development Corporation as lead organizer has six other operational networks (that also collaborate to assist clients). They include: the Northern Caribbean University, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, College of Agriculture, Science and Education, Edna Manley College, and the University of Technology. The centres are different in specialization but similar in its operations to assist interested persons to gain economic independence and empowerment.

RADA SBDC also works alongside the RADA Home Economics and Social Services, Marketing and other Extension team to deliver exceptional services to its clients. 

Ms. Elaine Stephenson co-owner of MVP Foods Limited/ MVP Jerk Seasoning a proud client of RADA SBDC attests to the tremendous assistance given by the programme. Mrs. Stephenson started by sharing an idea with the SBDC team. From this humble beginning Mrs. Stephenson was then exposed to training sessions to include Marketing in the 21^st Century among others. The RADA Marketing Unit assisted         Ms. Simpson to source raw material, and the RADA Social Services and Home Economics Unit contributed in the development of the product.

Through SBDC, collaborations were made with Bureau of Standard to assist with product concept and labelling. Ms. Stephenson now has a lucrative registered company.

In adapting to the COVID-19 protocols there are online trainings now available. The Social Services Home Economics Unit will collaborate with the Plant Quarantine/ Produce Inspection Branch, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on May 26, 2021 at 10:00 am regarding a presentation on the requirements for Exportation of Dried Herbs, spices and powders, the SBDC councilors will also participate.

How can RADA SBDC help you today?