- Strategic Empowerment: 40 tourism MSMEs received intensive training to bridge the gap between business vision and investor-grade milestones.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Leading Jamaican financial and regulatory bodies hosted dedicated desks to provide direct professional guidance.
- Launch of Resilience Fund: Target 8.9 officially announced the upcoming Resilience Fund, designed to provide critical financial resources for local tourism innovators.
MONTEGO BAY, 09 June 2026. The TUI Care Foundation and Target 8.9 have successfully concluded a high-impact workshop designed to transform Jamaican tourism entrepreneurs into investment-ready partners. The workshop, titled “Funding Isn’t Luck, It’s Readiness,” was held as part of the TUI Futureshapers Jamaica project and convened 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at Hotel 39 in Montego Bay. Participants represented the breadth of the tourism value chain, including accommodation, gastronomy, and retail.
The initiative addresses a fundamental economic challenge: according to the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, MSMEs account for approximately 80% of jobs in Jamaica. These businesses are vital for GDP growth, poverty reduction, and social stability. However, traditional banks often view MSMEs as high-risk, resulting in restricted access to credit. While new financing programmes are emerging, many local startups lack the technical capacity to meet the rigorous requirements needed to secure them.
Target 8.9, the global development agency initiated by TUI Care Foundation, led the two-day programme to address this “readiness gap” by mobilising technical support and professionalising local business operations. The first day featured a high-level panel discussion with experts from Spain, as well as active participation from local authorities and organizations like the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and a representative from the Mayor’s Office of Montego Bay. Panellists identified critical support services required to help MSMEs transition from informal operations to bankable entities. They emphasised that aligning finance with technical assistance is vital for sustainable growth.
Strategic partners played a pivotal role by manning Information Desks throughout the event. The Companies Office of Jamaica provided guidance on business regulation, while JN Small Business Loans and JMMB SME Resource Centre offered coaching on financial instruments. These interactions provided entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate the complexities of fundraising and business management.
“At the JMMB SME Resource Centre, we believe true business growth happens when financial solutions are paired with strategic guidance, capacity building, and long-term partnership. Jamaica’s tourism MSMEs are innovative, resilient, and essential to the sustainability of our economy, and bridging the readiness gap requires collaboration between financial institutions, development agencies, and entrepreneurs themselves,” emphasised Tanniece Coote, Representative of JMMB SME Resource Centre and one of the event’s featured panellists.
Day two opened with an inspiring address from Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). In the following fireside chat, the discussion focused on the future of Jamaica’s tourism and the necessity of innovation. The dialogue highlighted how local artisans and tour operators can leverage their unique cultural heritage to attract global investment.
A defining milestone of the workshop was the official launch of the Target 8.9 Resilience Fund, powered by TUI Care Foundation. By providing financial resources tailored to the unique needs of tourism startups, the fund helps entrepreneurs overcome capacity barriers to scale their businesses. Applications for the fund are now available through the Target 8.9 digital platform.
Coral Williams, Destination Manager of Target 8.9 Jamaica, explained: “This workshop is about helping entrepreneurs move from passion to preparedness. We’re equipping them with practical tools to become bankable and position themselves as credible, investment-worthy partners. Because funding isn’t luck—it’s readiness, and Jamaican businesses deserve a fair shot at growth.”
The event concludes a significant week for Montego Bay’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging global tourism expertise alongside the impact-driven mission of the TUI Care Foundation, the workshop has set a new benchmark for inclusive growth in the region.
