REAP Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024 Empowers Female Entrepreneurs in Jamaica
Young Women of Purpose (YWOP)/Young Men of Purpose (YMOP) Launches Initiative to Combat Unemployment and Poverty
Thirty female entrepreneurs in Kingston and Portmore, Jamaica, are set to receive comprehensive business skills training and support through the Realise, Embrace, Achieve Your Purpose (REAP) Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024. Spearheaded by the non-profit organization Young Women of Purpose (YWOP)/Young Men of Purpose (YMOP), this initiative aims to empower women in communities surrounding PriceSmart establishments. With a focus on addressing high unemployment and poverty levels, the project offers entrepreneurship training, business coaching, mentoring, and financial support of up to $3 million. The launch of this program has received praise from Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, as a valuable contribution to the development of the local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.
Equipping Entrepreneurs with Essential Skills and Resources
The REAP Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024 offers a comprehensive training program to equip participants with the necessary skills to start or formalize their businesses. Founder/Executive Director of YWOP/YMOP, Lanisia Rhoden, outlined the key areas of focus during the program, including entrepreneurship and business management, marketing for small businesses, accounting for small businesses, and health and wellness for entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs will also learn how to create a model canvas for their businesses and how to pitch for grant funding. Additionally, they will benefit from workshops conducted by agencies and organizations such as the Companies Office of Jamaica, the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), and Vision 2030 Jamaica, among others, that support entrepreneurial development in the country.
Business Coaching and Mentorship for Long-Term Success
In addition to training, the participants of the REAP Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024 will receive ongoing business coaching and mentorship. This support will help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses, ensuring long-term success. The program aims to provide a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, addressing not only technical skills but also the personal and emotional aspects that contribute to entrepreneurial success.
PriceSmart Foundation’s Commitment to Community Development
The REAP Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024 is funded by the PriceSmart Foundation, which aims to transform lives and communities by investing in youth development, economic opportunities, and community and environmental resilience. Dr. Bridgette Barrett, a consultant for the PriceSmart Foundation, highlighted that REAP is one of five projects the foundation will support over the 2023/2024 period. While the initial phase focuses on communities in Kingston and Portmore, the organization has plans to expand its reach and impact in the future.
Conclusion:
The Realise, Embrace, Achieve Your Purpose (REAP) Women Entrepreneurship Project 2024 is a significant step towards empowering female entrepreneurs in Jamaica. By providing comprehensive training, business coaching, mentorship, and financial support, this initiative aims to address high unemployment and poverty levels in targeted communities. With the support of the PriceSmart Foundation, the project has the potential to transform the lives of the participants and contribute to the development of the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector in Jamaica. As the program progresses, it will be interesting to see the impact these empowered entrepreneurs will have on their communities and the wider Jamaican economy.