The SEBI Programme has two main partners, USAID and Jamaica National Foundation. Both organizations provided funding for the Programme and are very involved in its development:

SEBI received grant funding of US$1 million under the USAID Development Grant Programme.

USAID’s Jamaica Mission’s Priority Goals include the promotion of economic prosperity and sustainable development and investing in people as its focus, which highlights the need for an initiative such as SEBI.  By implementing a programme of enterprise development alongside the strengthening of an enabling environment, SEBI will increase the capacity of Social Enterprises to contribute to the national economy both directly as economic providers, and indirectly as examples of socially responsible businesses, whilst opening up and advocating for clear industry standards and a national framework for operating.

Building the capacity of the Social Enterprise network to advocate for inclusion in the national economy, USAID and SEBI’s programme objectives are in direct alignment with each other; namely the enterprise development for micro-enterprises and the creation/ strengthening of an enabling environment.

The total funds spent on SEBI will act as a catalyst for growth and generate immense spin offs as new entities enter the market, consumption of Social Enterprise products grows, employment and economic development are generated, and overall recognition of its value and contribution to the national economy increases.

Jamaica is the United States’ third largest trading partner of in the Caribbean. Over the last five years, the U.S., has also accounted for the largest share of foreign direct investment in the country. Hence, the country’s political, economic, and social conditions directly affect U.S., national interests.

USAID/Jamaica has established a track record for promoting community safety and security; widening access to quality basic education; and increasing resiliency of targeted sectors to global climate change. As the Mission continues to serve as a leader in development initiatives and further tackle the main challenges in Jamaica, emphasis will be focused on an integrated approach to create opportunities for secure livelihoods through a more cohesive, just, and healthy environment.

USAID/Jamaica works with its local partners to help increase civic participation among youth and to increase citizen participation in creating safer and more prosperous communities. Areas of support include community policing, anti-corruption and the development of local and regional strategies that tackle gang prevention. USAID recognizes the economic dimension of community safety and security and the direct relationship between youth employment and violent crime. Therefore the programme provides technical, financial and policy support to the private and public sectors to foster access to micro-enterprise and job creation initiatives.

Established in 1990, the JN Foundation was mandated to carry out the Corporate Social Responsibility of the JN Bank , and by extension, the JN Group of companies.

Built on the concept of mutuality, JN Group gives back to the Jamaican people and communities across the island, by providing financial and technical support to empower projects and programmes both at the community and at the national level.

JN Foundation’s mission is to empower Jamaican communities by funding and developing projects that aim to bring about sustainable development. The main areas of focus include:

•  Economic & Community Development
•  Arts, Culture & Heritage
•  Youth & Education
•  Health, Safety & Security

The JN Foundation works with internal and external partners to identify, develop and provide technical and financial support to projects and programmes that focus on issues relating to rural development, health, housing, education, youth, community, crime and safety. Spearheaded by General Manager, Saffrey Brown and her team, the major projects of the JN Foundation include:

The Social Enterprise Boost Initiative              

Having supported the role and importance of Social Enterprises within Jamaica for many years, the Foundation believed that it was time to create an environment for growth and development, and SEBI was conceptualized in January 2013, geared at developing the third sector as a viable sector within the Jamaican economy.

The Source Community Resource Centres               

The development and implementation of a Social Enterprise franchise across Jamaica. There are five Source Centres, each developed to meet the specific needs and requirements of its host community. The Source franchise located in Sav-La-Mar in Westmoreland has been selected as one of the projects under the SEBI Programme.

Bridging the gap to financial services for rural communities in Jamaica

Aimed primarily at addressing gaps in financial service provisions to rural folk and fostering development, the Project is focused on increasing the participation of individuals and small businesses in targeted rural communities of Jamaica, to become formally engaged in the financial system.

The Jamaica National Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the JN Group of Companies, which comprises the following subsidiaries: JN Bank ; Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA); JN Fund Managers (JNFM); JN General Insurance Company Limited (JNGI); JN Money Services Limited (JNMS); JN Small Business Loans Limited (JNSBL); Management Control Systems (MCS); Manufacturer’s Credit and Information Services Ltd; National Building Society of Cayman; JN Finance; and The Creative Unit.