The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ): Providing access to financing
The World Bank Access to Finance Project (A2F) is a US$15 million-dollar project that is being executed over a period of 5 years from January 2018 to January 2023, with the objective of improving access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica.
The project is being implemented by the Development Bank of Jamaica under a partnership between the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank.
There are 4 components geared towards the development of financial instruments/products that will support the MSME ecosystem.
Generally, the DBJ is focused on delivering:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Reverse Factoring?
Reverse Factoring, also known as supply chain financing, is where a supplier receives early payment on its accounts receivables (goods/services delivered) by a process that is started by the buyer (ordering company). MSMEs can have access to Reverse Factoring through application to the DBJ.
2. What is the SME Fund and how will it help MSMEs?
The A2F Project will support the establishment of a US$15 million public-private SME Fund of 10 years extendable to 12 or 15 years, which would provide US$100,000 to US$2 million (US$750,000 average amount) in risk capital to established SMEs with high growth potential and with operations in Jamaica, but that have not been deemed investment worthy by private equity funds constraints.
3. What is the Credit Enhancement Facility?
The Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) is designed to provide collateral support to MSMEs who may have no or insufficient collateral to access funding.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for MSMEs under the CEF?
• Annual Turnover < J$425 million
• Business should be in operation for 24 months
• Start-ups in operation for over a year
• Credit worthy companies or individuals (enterprises operating in Jamaica with at least 51 percent Jamaican ownership.
• Company Registered
5. How much funds can MSMEs have guaranteed?
• 80% up to a maximum guarantee coverage of J$30 million for GENERAL MSME loans.
• 90% up to a maximum guarantee coverage of J$10 million for small loans up to J$11 million for Small Loans.
• 80% up to a maximum guarantee coverage of J$5 million for start-up enterprises.
6. What is the turnaround time for gaining the CEF for an entrepreneur?
An eligible MSME applying for the CEF should be approved within a week. This may vary based on MSME AFI.
7. What is the Voucher for Technical Assistance programme and how does A2F support it?
The Voucher for Technical Assistance (VTA) is designed to assist micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening their managerial and administrative abilities to improve their creditworthiness through the provision of vouchers for business development services. VTA vouchers can be accessed through dbjvoucher.com. Values of vouchers vary from J$50,000 up to as J$200,000 and can be used to access business development services (e.g financial statements preparation) through Business Development Organisations.
The A2F project will support the VTA through the provision of a new platform for the administration of the program.
