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Construction crew rebuilding a commercial building after Hurricane Melissa
Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce

Hurricane Melissa

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As part of the national recovery effort, the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica's Business Ministry, and its agencies, have launched the Business Restoration Initiative to help MSME businesses rebuild, reopen, and recover.

MSME Restoration Grant Programme

Building Forward Stronger, Safer and Smarter

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) has opened a dedicated grant programme for MSMEs and self-employed tradespeople affected by Hurricane Melissa — the MSME Restoration Grant Programme. It offers two forms of support: the FASST Biz Grant, for eligible micro and small businesses repairing premises or replacing damaged tools and equipment, and the Tools of Trade (ToT) Grant, for eligible self-employed tradespeople replacing tools lost or damaged in the hurricane.

MSME Restoration Grant Programme

How it Works

  • Two dedicated grants: the FASST Biz Grant for registered or semi-formal micro and small businesses, and the Tools of Trade (ToT) Grant for eligible self-employed tradespeople.

  • Every application is reviewed for eligibility and verified before any support is approved.

  • This isn't a cash payment made directly to you. Instead, we pay approved suppliers on your behalf for the repairs, tools or equipment covered by your grant. Once you're approved, you'll be told exactly how and when this happens.

  • Applications open Friday, October 16, 2026 — apply early to allow time for verification.

This initiative forms part of the Government of Jamaica's wider effort to help MSMEs rebuild, protect livelihoods, and strengthen Jamaica's business community after Hurricane Melissa.

Learn More & Apply Frequently Asked Questions

Restoring a Key Commercial Hub

On Friday, 16 January 2026, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) officially reopened the business kiosks/shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The reopening restored a vital commercial area and source of income for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Acting on a directive from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, the Ministry rebuilt and strengthened the facilities to ensure business operators could reopen safely, earn again, and withstand future extreme weather events.

The redevelopment of this key gastronomy commercial area was supported by strong partnerships with J. Wray & Nephew, who invested J$10 million in branding and beautification; the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), who provided buckets to shop owners; the Sean Paul Foundation, who assisted with some initial donations of zinc and board to some vendors; and Wisynco, who supplied branded gear.

Key outcomes:

  • Border now has 51 business kiosks: Thirty-seven (37) were reconstructed and fourteen (14) added.
  • Kiosks feature new concrete foundations with hurricane straps and reinforced roofing
  • A shared kitchen facility with 11 wood-burning stations to support food vendors

This initiative forms part of the Government of Jamaica's wider business restoration effort to protect jobs, restore livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience.

Keeping Businesses Operating After Hurricane Melissa

Following Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) implemented a Generator Loan Programme to support businesses in communities where electricity had not yet been restored.

Under the programme, 40 generators were purchased and loaned to affected businesses to help them continue operations, preserve goods, and maintain livelihoods during prolonged power outages.

As electricity is restored, generators are returned and re-loaned to other businesses still without power, ensuring continued support across the hardest-hit communities.

Key outcomes:

  • 40 generators deployed across affected parishes
  • Businesses able to remain open and operational
  • Equipment continuously re-circulated to maximise reach and impact

As noted by Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, the programme continues to expand as part of the Government's broader effort to restore commerce and protect MSMEs.

Recovery in Action

Recovery in Action

The Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce, Jamaica's Business Ministry and its agencies are on the ground, helping businesses recover and build stronger. Explore some of the key initiatives underway.

(Click below for more information.)

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Updates from the Ground

News articles and social media updates on recovery efforts & initiatives led by the Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce and its agencies.

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