acts as an incubator for entrepreneurial activities,” Dr. Gooden notes, and BSJ’s partnership offers substantial benefits to smaller firms. Through a signed memorandum of understanding, BSJ provides JBDC clients with up to 25% discounts on services like testing, label assessment, and training, making it easier for emerging businesses to access the support they need to thrive. Academia is another critical partner in BSJ’s ecosystem. Recently, the agency entered into an MOU with the University of Technology, one of Jamaica’s premier universities, to support research and training opportunities. This collaboration enhances BSJ’s research capabilities and creates a pipeline for new talent and expertise. “It’s about creating a synergy,” Dr. Gooden explains, noting that this partnership will help BSJ stay at the forefront of industry trends while providing students with hands-on experience in standards and quality assurance. MODERNIZING RESOURCES AND EXPANDING STANDARDS reach international markets. Dr. Gooden explains that BSJ has partnerships with several key players within Jamaica and abroad. “Our lead agency for promoting Jamaican services and trade is JamPro,” he says, describing a joint initiative called Export Max. This program, he notes, is “designed to help smaller exporters meet export requirements,” and BSJ’s role is to provide these companies with the testing and certification they need to succeed in foreign markets. BSJ also collaborates with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), a government entity that nurtures small businesses. “JBDC often 20 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11
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