Flow Foundation launches $5m REAP Entrepreneurship Programme

The Flow Foundation, in partnership with Young Women and Men of Purpose, has officially launched the REAP Entrepreneurship Programme, a transformative initiative designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build sustainable and resilient businesses.

The programme was launched on January 7 at the Golden Shore Resort in Lyssons, Morant Bay, and represents a $5 million investment in entrepreneurial development.

REAP will support 30 emerging entrepreneurs from St Thomas through a six-month journey running from December 2025 to May 2026, providing both practical training and holistic development opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of Young Women and Men of Purpose Lanisia Rhoden shared the inspiration behind the programme.

“I was motivated to create the REAP Entrepreneurship Programme because I am an entrepreneur at heart. I understand the challenges that business owners face, and I wanted to create a space that genuinely supports entrepreneurs across Jamaica as they work to turn their ideas into viable businesses,” she said.

Participants will benefit from structured training modules covering key areas such as introduction to entrepreneurship, health and wellness for entrepreneurs, accounting for small businesses, marketing, and pitching for funding.

The programme also places strong emphasis on mentorship and exposure, offering participants business field trips, conference attendance, and technical support from Vision 2030 Jamaica agents through the Planning Institute of Jamaica.

For many participants, the programme represents a timely opportunity to sharpen their skills and grow with confidence. Kayan Douglas, owner and creative designer of Kadres Designs, shared: “The business-development tools in the programme will help to take my business to the next level. This is information I can apply immediately to strengthen my brand, attract customers, and make my mark.”

As a key incentive, the top 10 business pitches emerging from the programme will each receive J$100,000 in seed funding to support innovation and business expansion.

Executive Director of the Liberty Caribbean Foundation and Flow Foundation Rhys Campbell emphasised the broader impact of the initiative.

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of development in any society. Small businesses, in particular, play a critical role in economic growth, and this is where meaningful impact can be made. Through the Flow Foundation, we are committed to transforming lives by enabling entrepreneurial activity, strengthening communities, and ensuring that connectivity remains at the centre of progress,” he said.

The REAP Entrepreneurship Programme aligns with the Flow Foundation’s mission to enable the progress of all Jamaicans through economic empowerment, with critical support from its parent organisation, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation.