{"id":199,"date":"2026-09-16T15:56:26","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T15:56:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=199"},"modified":"2026-09-16T17:33:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T17:33:54","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=199","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"article-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Can\u2019t find your question? <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#get-help\">Contact Us<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"about-the-initiative\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">1. What is the MSME Restoration Grant Programme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The MSME Restoration Grant Programme supports eligible micro and small-sized enterprises by helping them restore operations, build resilience, and sustain growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">2. What types of support are available under the Programme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Support is available through two main areas:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial Assistance for Small-Business Stabilization and Transition (FASST) Biz Grant \u2013 for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) that sustained damage to their business premises, tools or equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tools of Trade Grant (TOT) Grant \u2013 for self-employed individuals who are not eligible for the FASST Grant and need assistance to replace tools and equipment that were damaged or lost during the hurricane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"eligibility-support\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eligibility &amp; Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">1. Who is eligible to apply?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme is intended for eligible MSMEs and self-employed persons that meet the established criteria for the respective areas of support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group faq-sub is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"faq-sub-heading wp-block-paragraph\">FASST Biz Grant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">a. Who can apply for the <strong>FASST Biz Grant<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group faq-sub is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FASST Biz Grant is specifically for registered <strong>micro and small businesses<\/strong> that have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Up to 20 employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual sales\/turnover of no more than J$75 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filed taxes in FY 2024\/2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filed payroll returns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Priority is being given to businesses in areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Craft businesses and Artisans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hair salons and Barbershops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry-Cleaning Businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gyms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wholesale and Retail Businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restaurants, Caf\u00e9s and Coffee Shops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other eligible personal service businesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"faq-sub-heading wp-block-paragraph\">TOT Grant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">b. Who can apply for the <strong>TOT Grant<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The programme identifies trades and services such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Craft and market vendors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mechanics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carpenters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Masons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hairdressers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gardeners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beauty therapists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cosmetologists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cook-shop owners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">2. How do I apply?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applications must be submitted online through the official MSME Restoration Grant Programme website: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/restoration.miic.gov.jm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">restoration.miic.gov.jm<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">3. What documents will I need to apply?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The documents required will depend on the grant you are applying for. All applications require a valid TRN, <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#how-to-apply\">click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">4. What if my small business is not formally registered?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme makes provision for certain Mom-and-Pop Shops\/micro and small businesses. These businesses must have at least one of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>Trade Licence from a Municipal Authority<\/strong>, OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ), OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration with TPDCo where applicable, particularly for craft artisans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A valid personal TRN.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">5. Can a business apply for more than one area of support?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The <strong>FASST Biz Grant<\/strong> is available to eligible micro and small businesses <u>with up to 20 employees<\/u>, while the <strong>ToT Grant<\/strong> is specifically for self-employed individuals who are not eligible for the FASST Biz Grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">6. Is there a deadline to apply?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The deadline for submitting applications for the MSME Restoration Grant Programme is November 16, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure that all required information and supporting documents are provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">7. How much financial support can I receive under the MSME Restoration Grant Programme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>FASST BIZ Grant<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><u>Wholesale and Retail Trade, Food and Beverage Services, Personal Services<\/u><br>Less than 5 employees = $150,000.00, 6-20 employees = $250,000.00<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><u>Manufacturers<\/u><br>Less than 5 employees = $250,000.00, 6-20 employees = $350,000.00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit website for further details on each classification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>TOT Grant<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A J$100,000 per self-employed individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">8. Will every applicant receive a grant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Applying does not automatically mean that you will receive a grant. Each application will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for the grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">9. I have already fixed the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Can I be reimbursed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you will not be reimbursed. The grant is for persons who have not yet fully recovered from damages caused by Hurricane Melissa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">10. How should the grant be utilized?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A comprehensive list of items and services that can be accessed here, <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#fasst-biz-grant\">click<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"after-application-submission\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After Application Submission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">1. How will I know if my application is successful?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Successful applicants will be contacted through the official contact information provided during the application process. Applicants should ensure that their contact information is accurate and up to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">2. Is there a cost to apply?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Applicants should not pay any unauthorized individual or third party to access or apply for support under the programme. Make applications only through the official channels communicated by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">3. How long will it take to receive a decision?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applications will be reviewed after submission. The time required to process an application may vary depending on the information and documents provided. Applicants should ensure that their applications are complete to help avoid unnecessary delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-question\">4. Where can I get more information or assistance with my application?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information on eligibility, the application process, required documentation and available support, visit the official MSME Restoration Grant Programme website (<a href=\"https:\/\/restoration.miic.gov.jm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">restoration.miic.gov.jm<\/a>) or the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce website (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.miic.gov.jm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">miic.gov.jm<\/a>). OR call the MSME Restoration Grant helpdesk at <a href=\"tel:+16582076791\">(658) 207-6791<\/a> or <a href=\"tel:+16582071676\">(658) 207-1676<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full details for both grants are below \u2014 who qualifies, what\u2019s covered, and how to apply. Not sure which one fits you? Jump to the <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#compare\">comparison<\/a>, or read through <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#fasst-biz-grant\">FASST<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=200#tools-of-trade-grant\">Tools of Trade<\/a> first.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can\u2019t find your question? Contact Us About the Programme 1. What is the MSME Restoration Grant Programme? The MSME Restoration Grant Programme supports eligible micro and small-sized enterprises by helping them restore operations, build resilience, and sustain growth. 2. What types of support are available under the Programme? Support is available through two main areas:<a href=\"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/?page_id=199\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;Frequently Asked Questions&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-faq.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-199","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=199"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208,"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199\/revisions\/208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/melissabizrelief.miic.gov.jm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}