The Ministry of Industry Technology Energy and Commerce (MITEC) has donated $20 million to the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) to create commercial opportunities for small and micro businesses during Cricket World Cup.

JBDC, an agency of MITEC, said it would be using the funds to plan three craft fairs at three venues in Kingston during the cricket competition, offering booth space at subsidised rates.

A regular booth space would have cost $21,000, says Racquel Jones, JBDC public relations officer.

"Exhibitors will receive up to 70 per cent subsidy," she told the Financial Gleaner via email.

"The $20 million is to be used not only to set up those three craft fairs but to also lend support to other groups participating in craft villages across the island, such as Falmouth and Bourne-mouth, among others."

CWC 2007 kicks off March 5 and ends April 28. The organisers of the competition are regulating commercial activity linked to the competition, but the tight controls have generated criticism that small operators with limited cash flows are being denied marketing opportunities.

The MITEC grant will create market space for the showcasing of local fashion and accessories, craft and gift items, said Jones. The fairs will be held at Devon House, March 15-20; CWJ Golf Academy, March 12-24, and Palisadoes Bay, Sundays and Thursdays, over the period March 22 to April 29.

There will also be another event at Bournemouth, which is being organised through the Rotary Club of Kingston, the business advisory agency said.

business@gleanerjm.com

Taken from the Financial Gleaner, Friday March 2, 2007.