As immediate emergency needs are slowly being met, the reality on the ground is changing. The need now is rebuilding, not only houses, but lives and livelihoods.

In the hardest hit areas, I repeatedly meet small business owners who have lost everything and are asking for something very simple:

tools, equipment, and materials so they can start working again.

That is where Streets of Jamaica – Small Business Grants now focuses its energy.

Why small business grants

Through Streets of Jamaica, I have supported Jamaican small businesses since the beginning of the platform, by uplifting them, sharing their stories, and helping transform their businesses through visibility, trust, and community support.

This grant project is a natural extension of that work.

Small, direct grants allow people to restart quickly, earn an income with dignity, and support their families without long delays or complicated systems.

While this fund begins with storm recovery in the west, this model can be applied anywhere in Jamaica, long after the emergency phase is over.

Background

Over the past 12 weeks, I have been working closely with relief efforts in Jamaica, across Westmoreland and Saint Elizabeth, supporting shelter coordination, needs assessments, and outreach in hard-to-reach communities. We have shared on-the-ground information with Medics Corps, helping direct aid such as clean water, food, tarpaulins, solar lights, and medical supplies to areas most in need.

Alongside this, we have held medical clinics and first aid efforts, communicated urgent needs, and acted as a bridge between communities and people who wanted to help, often being the voice of those who were not being heard.

⸻

Grant size & how support is provided

Every business has different needs. A barber may require tools, while a hairdresser or vendor may need equipment or stock. For this reason, grants are needs-based rather than fixed amounts.

• Typical grant size ranges from USD $300 to $1,000 per person

• Grant amounts are based on:

• the type of business

• what was lost or damaged

• what is realistically needed to restart work

Where possible, funds are used to purchase tools, equipment, and supplies directly, rather than handing out cash, to ensure support goes exactly where it is needed.

⸻

Ongoing & Upcoming Projects

First completed micro-grant project

Through a fundraising initiative led by Trendsetters, a Jamaican- and Canadian-owned barbershop in Toronto, USD $1,000 was raised to support storm-affected small businesses.

With these funds, Streets of Jamaica was able to:

• Support three barbers with professional tools and equipment

• Support three hairdressers with essential hair products and supplies

• Provide a small initial stipend, allowing them to offer free services to the first 10 children in their community

This first project demonstrated how small, targeted grants can create immediate impact, helping people restart their businesses while also giving back to the community.

⸻

✅ Completed

Petersfield – Barbers & Hairdressers

• Support for 3 barbers and 3 hairdressers

• Professional tools, equipment, hair products, and small stipends

• Enabled free services for children in the community

Total: USD $1,000

Status: ✔ Completed

⸻

Ongoing & Next Up

Petersfield – Baker / Dessert Chef

• Baking tools and supplies

• Work attire: black shoes, black pants, and apron

Allocated: USD $350

Status: In progress

⸻

Education Support – School iPads

• 3 iPads for 3 children to support schoolwork and learning

Estimated cost: USD $900 (approx. $300 per iPad)

Status: Planned

⸻

Accompong – Home Rebuilding Tools

When working in the compound I met a group of highly capable and efficient men, who was working with borrowed equipment rebuilding damaged homes. One of the biggest wishes was to get their own equipment so they could work more efficient and make rebuilding part of their business.

• Tools to support rebuilding damaged homes. Drill, power saw, jack hammer etc.

Allocated: USD $1000

Status: In progress

⸻

Petersfield – Work Clothes for Chefs

• Work uniforms and professional shoes for 2 chefs

Estimated cost: USD $300 (approx. $150 per person)

Status: Planned

⸻

Petersfield – DJ Equipment (Laptop)

• New laptop for a DJ whose equipment was lost, enabling him to return to work

Estimated cost: USD $1,200

Status: Planned

Parotee - 2 young Fishermen

• Diving and spearfish equipment

Estimated cost: USD $450

Status: Planned

⸻

Transparency & accountability

Aid work can be complicated, and during times of crisis many people take advantage of chaos. NGOs are often not trusted — and I understand why. Transparency is essential to me.

To run this project responsibly and sustainably:

• I receive a monthly 10% stipend (no more than 500$) for the time and labor required to coordinate this work

• There are operational costs, such as accounting and administration

Regular updates, photos, and grant breakdowns will be shared here so supporters can clearly see how funds are being used.

⸻

Looking ahead

Streets of Jamaica is currently in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization, with a long-term focus on small business grants and community-based support.

This project represents a shift in my own work finding deeper purpose in everything that has led me to this moment and committing to continue this work beyond emergency response.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey and trusted me to do this work.

Your love for Jamaica and belief in the Jamaican people make this possible.

Together, we can rebuild stronger and better.

With love,

Gigi