St Thomas, often referred to as Jamaica’s ‘forgotten parish,’ is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the parish is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly in sectors like cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail. Located at 49 Queen Street in Morant Bay, the JBDC Business Centre serves as a pivotal resource for local entrepreneurs, offering a range of support services to help them formalize and scale their operations. Selena Whyte, a dedicated business development officer at the centre, has been instrumental in this shift. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the parish’s cultural and economic landscape, Whyte provides hands-on coaching, formalization support, and access to critical resources. Despite the parish’s potential, entrepreneurs in St Thomas face significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Many MSMEs start with minimal capital, relying on personal savings or family support. Whyte emphasizes that while funding is a major hurdle, other obstacles like marketing, packaging, and market research also impede growth. To address these issues, the JBDC offers a structured program that guides entrepreneurs through business registration, market validation, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Whyte’s commitment to fostering business development is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey from assisting her mother’s corner shop to becoming a trusted advisor at JBDC. She believes that empowering local businesses is key to transforming St Thomas and its communities. Entrepreneurs interested in tapping into this growing business ecosystem can contact Selena Whyte at 876-516-8158 or 876-436-3925 for a consultation.