By Sean Hunter

Copyright jis

Grassroots entrepreneurs are crediting the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), as the driving force behind the success of their businesses.

Owner and founder of Nikki’s Spices and more, Rosemarie Johnson and founder of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell are among the nearly 400 grassroots businesses that are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive through the LEDSP.

They are proof that with the right support, small entrepreneurs can make big strides.

Ms. Johnson, who hails from Kintyre in St. Andrew tells JIS News that her introduction to SDC came in 2015 when they visited her community.

“Someone told me to go talk with them. I went and told them what I was doing at home, and they took my number and address and visited me…from there, we created Nikki’s Spices and more, then they sent me on trainings and to fairs to sell the products,” Ms. Johnson says.

She informs that a key part in her business development came when the SDC sent her to a seminar at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

“When I went to UTech, I brought my products with me, and they were impressed. They said to me, go down to the Jamaica Business Development Commission (JBDC) when you leave here,” Ms. Johnson shares, adding that JBDC then took her products to another level, which ultimately led to her receiving approval from the Bureau of Standard Jamaica (BSJ).

She notes that before her interaction with SDC, she was only making and bottling her products for herself and family, not knowing that one day, they would reach international markets.

Her brand, Nikki’s Spices and more, has since become a go-to source for spice lovers, offering a variety of flavourful creations made from locally grown ingredients.

“I specialise in tamarind – I do stewed tamarind; that’s my number one seller… I have tamarind sauce, hot pepper sauce, my pimento leaves, my pepper elder leaves, and my all-purpose seasoning,” she outlines.

Ms. Johnson further indicates that while she has local customers, she mainly has customers from overseas.

“People call and place their order before they get here. So, when they get here, the order will be ready,” she explains.

“I’m now getting my products in the Jamaican stores. SDC is my number one supporter, and I don’t know what I would really do without them. They treat you like a baby and carry you through,” Ms. Johnson continues.

The entrepreneur who has gained invaluable exposure through the SDC also wants other budding entrepreneurs to benefit.

“I’m really encouraging others to come on board if you really want to put out quality products and to do export, because I see SDC taking my products all over the world,” she says.

Meanwhile, Owner of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell whose business is based in Palmer’s Cross, Clarendon tells JIS News that the support from SDC has not only grown his business but has seen him become a mentor and trainer for others.

“I am training people how to make herbs and spices. I am also training people how to label the products. These are some of the proud moments and I thank SDC so much, not just for me, but for what you are doing for the entire Jamaica when it comes to Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs) and community work overall,” Mr. Mitchell says.

When Mr. Mitchell first connected with the SDC around 2017 through the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA), his business offered just a handful of products.

Today, Paradise Blends boasts 15 unique items, including his standout innovation –a turmeric seasoning tested and certified by the BSJ.

“I am so appreciative of SDC because of the work it has been doing with me, particularly my good friend, Mr. Anderson, who is the LED Support Coordinator in Clarendon. SDC is my go-to agency. Everywhere I go, I have to big up SDC,” he says.

The entrepreneur also credits the SDC for providing access to markets and financial support.

“SDC also would have helped me to go into some supermarkets. I can say SDC took me to Fesco to get my product on the shelf. I’m also in Fontana and eight supermarkets overall,” Mr. Mitchell explains.

He also points out that SDC assisted him with the writing of grant proposals, which saw him successfully acquiring two grants from Digicel and two from the SDC.

Mr. Mitchell is among the over 165 LEIs that have received assistance from the SDC through the LEDSP, to develop project proposals for grants.

Now in its 10th year, the LEDSP has helped grassroots entrepreneurs to generate more than $100 million in sales over the last five years.