The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, officially launched the J$500 million MSME Grant Restoration Programme on Tuesday, October 6, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, marking another significant step in the Government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The event brought together more than 50 stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including business support organisations and micro and small business owners from across Jamaica. The launch also featured the rollout of the online application portal, which provides information on the available grants and enables applicants to submit applications electronically.

The MSME Grant Restoration Programme is designed to support eligible businesses and self-employed individuals whose operations, tools, equipment, inventory or productive assets were damaged by Hurricane Melissa. Eligible micro and small businesses may receive up to J$350,000 through the Financial Assistance for Small Business Stabilisation and Transition (FASST Biz) Grant, while eligible self-employed tradespersons may receive up to J$100,000 through the Tools of Trade (ToT) Grant.

“Small businesses are an important part of Jamaica’s economy, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and contributing to the vitality of communities across the country. Through the MSME Grant Restoration Programme, we are providing targeted support to help eligible entrepreneurs reopen their businesses quickly, restore productive activity and move forward with confidence.

Equally important, we have put in place strong safeguards to ensure the programme is administered transparently and with full accountability to the Jamaican people,” said Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

During the launch, attendees viewed a demonstration of the programme application portal. Applications will undergo eligibility screening, verification, field assessments where required, and evaluation by programme officers. Approved beneficiaries will access support through a controlled digital disbursement system. Beneficiaries will receive QR, SMS or approved printed redemption codes that may be used at authorised merchants for approved recovery purchases. The system incorporates monitoring and audit mechanisms that strengthen oversight, reduce cash-handling risks, and support the responsible use of public funds.

The programme was formally opened by Mrs. Sancia Bennett Templer, CD, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, who also moderated the event. Attendees also received a programme overview from Dr. Cliff Riley, Executive Director of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), who leads the programme’s field assessment activities and outlined its objectives, eligibility requirements, governance arrangements and implementation framework.

The programme is being implemented with support from several public and private-sector partners, including the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Authority, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and WiPay. These partnerships support the programme’s application, verification and disbursement processes, including applicant validation, business verification and the secure digital distribution of approved grants.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and its 20 agencies continue to support businesses affected by Hurricane Melissa. Eligible businesses and self-employed tradespersons are encouraged to apply through the MIIC MSME Restoration Grant Programme portal at melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm. Applications will be accepted and assessed on a phased, parish-by-parish basis, with schedules to be announced. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully, including the need for a valid Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) and supporting verification documentation where applicable. The portal is now live and provides programme information, eligibility requirements and access to the online application process.