The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has unveiled a transformative J$2 billion financing facility, dubbed ‘Orbit’ – Opportunities for Resilient Businesses, Innovation, and Transformation. This significant initiative aims to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across Jamaica, addressing critical challenges related to productivity and growth scalability that have historically hindered the sector. The programme was officially launched in September 2025 and represents a strategic collaboration between the DBJ and major private sector bodies, including the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ).
Targeting High-Impact Industries for National Growth
The Orbit facility is specifically designed to support businesses operating within four key growth sectors identified as crucial for Jamaica’s economic advancement: manufacturing, agro-processing, health, and the creative industries. The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs in these areas to modernize their operations, expand their production capacity, and enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets. By focusing on these sectors, the DBJ intends to drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and foster resilience within Jamaica’s business landscape.
Generous Loan Terms and Collateral Support
Entrepreneurs and business owners can access substantial financial support through the Orbit programme, with loans available of up to J$30 million per MSME. A key feature of this facility is its competitive interest rate of 8% fixed, coupled with a generous repayment period of up to 10 years, which is double the duration typically offered by many financial institutions. Furthermore, the facility provides a moratorium of up to 12 months on principal payments, offering businesses crucial breathing room for initial growth and development.
A significant barrier for many MSMEs is the requirement for collateral. The Orbit loan directly addresses this through the DBJ’s Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF). The CEF acts as a de-risking mechanism, providing collateral guarantees for up to 90% of the loan amount. This ensures that businesses with viable projects but insufficient traditional collateral can still secure the necessary financing to scale, produce, and export their goods and services.
Eligibility and Access Through Approved Institutions
To qualify for the Orbit loan, businesses must meet specific criteria. They must operate within one of the four priority sectors, demonstrate an annual revenue of less than J$425 million, and show potential for expansion into new markets. A mandatory requirement is that at least 60% of the loan must be allocated towards the purchase of equipment or machinery vital for business operations. The facility also integrates opportunities for technical assistance, including grants for energy audits, to ensure that financial support is complemented by capacity building.
The Orbit loans are accessible through a network of DBJ-approved financial institutions (AFIs). These include prominent entities such as Jamaica National (JN), Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB), National Commercial Bank (NCB), and First Global Bank, making it convenient for eligible businesses to apply and receive support.
Addressing Long-Standing MSME Challenges
The launch of the Orbit facility underscores the Jamaican government’s continued commitment to nurturing its MSME sector, which is vital to the nation’s economy, generating an estimated 80% of jobs. For years, MSMEs have grappled with challenges such as limited access to affordable financing, high interest rates, and stringent collateral requirements. Initiatives like Orbit, supported by mechanisms like the CEF, aim to dismantle these barriers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive financial ecosystem. The DBJ’s strategy emphasizes partnerships with financial institutions to leverage their reach and expertise, ensuring that capital and support are effectively delivered to businesses across Jamaica. This new facility represents a significant step forward in empowering Jamaican entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and contribute more robustly to national development and news in the business sector.