Monthly Archives: July 2024

Photo Caption: Participants from last year summer camp take a group photo with JN Foundation representatives , Dawnette Pryce-Thompson (fifth, standing from left) and Rose Miller (fourth, standing at right) as they toured the Bank of Jamaica Money Museum as part of the field trip organised by the JN Foundation.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2021-2022 National Report for Jamaica, entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth and is also a formidable engine of economic growth. It is with this in mind that the JN Financial Academy will be hosting a two-day virtual summer camp from July 30 to 31 under the theme ‘Building the Future Entrepreneur’.

Now in its third year, Shanna Kaye Wright Vaughn, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation said the summer camp is set to combine essential financial literacy with the transformative power of entrepreneurship and is geared at stimulating the entrepreneurial spirits of young persons.

She said this year’s summer camp targeting 12-17 year-old participants, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the micro-to-medium business landscape, along with practical advice on implementing and scaling business ideas.

Mrs. Vaughn added that the camp’s curriculum is designed to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs, giving them the tools to become innovators and leaders in their communities. She said through interactive sessions and panel discussions with outstanding entrepreneurs and industry experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship with a unique focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), real estate management, social enterprise and digital media.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of financial literacy, enabling them to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions as they venture into entrepreneurship,” she explained.

There will be two keynote sessions focusing on the importance of STEM and entrepreneurship, to be presented by Dr Charah Watson, executive director of the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica and embracing culture as a social enterprise to be shared by Randy McLaren, chief executive officer and co-Founder of Bresheh.

Carlyle Grant, managing director of Digital Danes, and Keleisha Carter, US-based real estate investor and capital raiser, both past ambassadors from the JN Group-led tertiary initiative, JN Wise Aspiring Youth Programme (JNWAY), will participate in a panel discussion focused on the importance of networking and entrepreneurship.

There will also be presentations from the Companies Office of Jamaica, Junior Achievement Jamaica and the JN Bank (Small Business Loans Division).

“The JN Financial Academy Summer Camp is committed to fostering this spirit of innovation and economic growth in Jamaica. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need, the camp aims to contribute to the country’s development and prosperity,” said Mrs. Wright Vaughn.

She informed that the JN Financial Academy aims to empower JN members and potential members to achieve financial freedom by providing information, training, and mentorship to help them make better financial decisions.

“This opportunity to engage high school students about entrepreneurship also highlights a key point from the GEM report as the summer camp aims to promote the essential innovation required not only to exploit new opportunities, promote productivity, and create employment, but also to address some of society’s greatest challenges,” she said.

Interested persons are invited to register for the summer camp by visiting the JN Foundation website, www.jnfoundation.com or social media channels @jnfoundation.

Photo Caption: Lanisia Rhoden (right), chief executive officer and founder of Link Your Purpose and her team members (from left to right) Hannajoye Gilling, digital marketer; Anni-Vee Moore, administrative coordinator; Horace Palmer, finance officer; Toni-Ann Williams, programme coordinator.

In 2013, the Social Enterprise Boost Initiative (SEBI), a project of the JN Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was launched with the aim of fostering a supportive environment for social enterprises in Jamaica.

The programme significantly impacted the entrepreneurial landscape by helping grant-funded operations transform into profitable businesses with sustainable social missions.

Over its duration, SEBI supported more than 60 social enterprises, which collectively generated over $166 million in revenue, created more than 200 jobs, and served over 10,000 beneficiaries, including marginalised groups such as women, rural communities, youth, and the disabled.

Remarkably, five years after the programme ended in 2019, several social enterprises that benefitted, including Link Your Purpose, continue to thrive and make a lasting impact. Link Your Purpose, a social enterprise focused on online career development, has seen significant growth and impact.

According to Lanisia Rhoden, chief executive officer of Link Your Purpose, SEBI provided essential resources that allowed the organisation to refine its prototypes into marketable products, accelerating their mission to empower young people across the island.

“SEBI was pivotal in our development,” said Miss Rhoden. “The programme enabled us to transform our initial prototype into a fully functional platform, ready for market launch. This support was key to our growth.”

Since participating in SEBI, Link Your Purpose has secured additional grants, facilitating its expansion throughout Jamaica. The organisation’s parent non-profit, Young Women and Men of Purpose, has also launched a new social enterprise: ’Clear Purpose Spring Water’. This product, branded with the tagline “drink purposefully,” directs proceeds from each sale back into the organisation, reflecting the principles of social enterprise by balancing profit, people, and the planet.

She pointed out that the social good the enterprise focused on is ensuring persons have access to clean potable water.

“The impact of SEBI on Link Your Purpose is evident in its operational growth. The organisation has expanded from one part-time employee and numerous volunteers to an operations team of seven, including four paid staff and three volunteers. Additionally, the overall volunteer base has grown to nearly 60 individuals,” Miss Rhoden disclosed.

Looking ahead, the CEO said that Link Your Purpose aims to sustain and scale its impact. Over the next five years, the organisation plans to expand its operations beyond Jamaica to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, leveraging the international makeup of its team and the need for similar programmes in these regions. The organisation is also exploring potential expansion into other Caribbean islands.

“Our focus is on sustainable impact,” Miss Rhoden explained. “While we will continue to seek partnerships and funding, our goal is to operate in a way that ensures we can survive without solely relying on grants.”

The organisation’s commitment to social enterprise principles driven by mission, revenue generation, and community development has been solidified through its journey with SEBI.

“The initiative [SEBI] provided not only technical resources but also a valuable network of social entrepreneurs and stakeholders, enhancing Link Your Purpose’s ability to implement and scale its projects,” she said, citing the benefits of being part of the programme.

For the founder, the transition to social enterprise has been transformative. With over 16 years of experience in non-profit work, she said SEBI opened new pathways for sustainable community impact, enabling full-time dedication to their mission without solely depending on volunteer efforts.

“The Social Enterprise Boost Initiative has impacted not just our organisation but also my life as an individual,” the founder shared. “The connections and practical knowledge gained have been invaluable in driving our success.”

Miss Rhoden is confident that Link Your Purpose will continue to thrive, proving that with the right support and resources, social enterprises can achieve sustainable impact and growth.

Other enterprises that have benefitted from the SEBI programme have included Def Can! Coffee, Bresheh, Edufocal Limited, EduTours JA, 360 Recycle, JAD Binders, Bunkers Hill Cultural Xperience, Alpha Wear, PSD Mobility Centre and NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Service.

Students who were successful in the 2024 Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations are being invited to apply for the opportunity to receive one of 17 five-year scholarships or 10 one-time grants from the JN Foundation Scholarship Programme.

Fourteen awardees are to be selected for the JN Foundation PEP Parish Scholarship, three are to be selected for the JN Bank Easi-Save County Scholarship and 10 are to receive one-time grants from JN Money.  An additional 20 scholarships are also awarded to the children of employees of The Jamaica National Group. 

Parents are invited to review the criteria and apply for the scholarships and grant via the JN Foundation’s website https://www.jnfoundation.com/jn-scholarships/. The application deadline is Monday, July 15.

Shanna Kaye Wright Vaughn, Lead, Youth and Education at the JN Foundation, noted that the organisation, which has an over 40-year tradition of awarding grade 6 students who are successful in their primary level exit examinations, continues to provide academic and personal support to both the scholars and their families.    

“We are delighted to again open applications for these scholarships and grants which have been made possible through the member companies of The Jamaica National Group,” she said.

She further noted, “the JN Scholarship Programme supports the education of JN members’ children, aiming to advance their academic and personal development through engaging activities. JN Scholars benefit from opportunities such as an annual summer camp with local and international speakers, events with JN Group leaders, and sessions on financial literacy, goal setting, stress management, and habits for high school success. A mentorship programme will launch in the new academic year, further enhancing support for students.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, students must have completed the 2024 Primary Exit Profile and should not be a recipient of a government scholarship or other long-term scholarships. The student, a parent or legal guardian must have a relationship with a JN Group company for at least one year – either as a member/customer/client of JN Bank, JN Fund Managers, JN Life Insurance, JN General Insurance, JN Bank (Small Business Loans Division), Jamaica Automobile Association or JN Money Services.

Mrs Wright Vaughn said that the JN Group is proud to support the education of Jamaica’s youth as it aims to change lives and build communities.