National Commercial Bank (NCB) says that small and medium enterprises have a critical role to play in the nation's development. As part of its efforts to salute those in the sector, the bank is again this year supporting its Nation Builder Awards under the theme 'Entrepreneurs Building Communities ... Building Jamaica'.

This initiative recognises and celebrates small- and medium-size (SME) businesses that have exhibited outstanding entrepreneurial performance, sound operational practices and have made a clear contribution to community development.

According to Bernadette Barrow, assistant general manager in charge of small and medium enterprises at NCB, "Small and medium enterprises are the cornerstone of our country's economic development. They contribute not only to commerce, but have significantly impacted the communities in which they operate. It is for this reason we are compelled to continue the Nation Builder Awards programme to acknowledge and celebrate these businesses at both a regional and national level."

Michelle Smith, managing director of Chocolate Dreams, the 2008 NCB Strength (Start-Up) Award recipient, said that the NCB Nation Builder Awards programme "is really significant and it has helped me tremendously to move forward. This has opened up a whole different realm for me, and I am very thankful. I have been able to expand - meaning more employees, more machinery and training".To be considered for the awards, a business must generate a yearly turnover of less than $500 million.

Categories

Additionally, the programme features the following categories: the Innovation Award, which salutes an NCB SME customer who has been in operation for a minimum of 12 months and a business that has implemented new ideas using technology to create a competitive advantage in its marketplace; and the Start-Up Award, which recognises a business that has been in operation for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of three years, with commendable business performance and strong community impact, and is open to non-NCB customers.

Resulting from the resounding success of the 2008 programme and the recognition of the significant contribution of women in business, this year NCB has partnered with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Women Business Owners' Association to recognise an outstanding woman in business. This category is open to non-NCB customers and rewards a woman in business who is an innovator and a proven positive influence on other women in business.

In order to provide a unique level of business expertise and entrepreneurial knowledge to participants, NCB has again partnered with HEART/NTA, the University of the West Indies, Fujitsu, Lions Club of New Kingston, the Jamaica Business Development Centre and The Gleaner Company.

How to apply

Applications for this year's NCB Nation Builder Awards programme close on July 17. Interested owners of small and medium enterprises are encouraged to submit their businesses for consideration by contacting an NCB business banker at any NCB branch islandwide, or by visiting www.jncb.com and downloading copies of the application package.

Completed forms, along with the required documentation, can be submitted to any NCB branch.