The Source St Ann by SACC

Main Street Ocho Rios has its own Source! This CRC was built out of a partnership with the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce and the Jamaica National Building Society Foundation to provide a facility that supports growth in the local business sector and the development of entrepreneurship within Ocho Rios. This social enterprise concept is the fourth of its kind following on the heels of The Source August Town, The Source Maverly and the Breds Source. The Source St. Ann is located at Pineapple Place at St. Ann Chamber of Commerce. It provides an extraordinary opportunity for the Chamber to expand its menu and range of member services while also providing business support services to existing and new businesses within the parish. The centre’s main focus is to increase membership of the Chamber and provide business support services that facilitate the growth and development of entrepreneurship within the parish. This centre functions as a virtual office and business support and information hub for the chamber’s membership. It also extends its services to residents, businesses or visitors who may require them. On July 10, 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce and the JN Foundation outlining the nature of the relationship regarding the Source. The centre was completed and launched in June 2009 by Minister of Commerce and Trade, the Honourable Karl Samuda along with Earl Jarrett, General Manager of JNBS and Valerie Viera, Director of Jamaica Business Development Centre.

JAMBIC BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE SOURCE

The Jamaica Business Information Centre is a major partner in the Development of The Source St. Ann and has an office inside The Source from which it provides its business information and support services. • Business Plan Writing • Business Planning • Business Registration • Business Loans (Manufacturing & Productive Sector Business Workshops offering training in: • Basic Book keeping/Accounting • Marketing & Advertising • Assisting Business with Tax Returns The Source has already processed 69 clients with business services ranging from loans and technical support to marketing and business advice. Its client list continues to grow as more and more individuals become desirous of starting and growing their business.

PARTNER

The St. Ann Chamber of Commerce comprises a diverse group of businesses consisting of retailers, hotels, financial institutions, professionals, restaurants, tours, attractions, security companies, construction firms, other tourism related entities and private members. The majority of its businesses are dependent, either directly or indirectly, on tourism centered on the town of Ocho Rios. The Chamber's role is that of an advocate or lobbyist body for its members. The Chamber ensures that issues that negatively affect the business of their membership are addressed and resolved by the proper authorities while they lobby for changes that will benefit these businesses.