The first in a series of sensitization sessions, geared at generating awareness of the business opportunities to arise out of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 to be held in Jamaica, will be launched by the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

This sensitization workshop, to be undertaken through the Caribbean Business Opportunity Services, will be hosted under the theme: ‘Bowling for Business: Promoting Entrepreneurship Opportunities’, and will take place at the Jamaica Conference Centre on Tuesday, February 28 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The JBDC, in its role as the Government agency responsible for the sustainable development within the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, will play a key role in facilitating entrepreneurs who wish to take advantage of the economic opportunities as well as the CWC’s Licensing and Merchandising Programme.

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director of the JBDC, Harold Davis noted that the workshop would speak to product development opportunities that might arise from Cricket World Cup and also position the various business enterprises to “take advantage of the huge inflow of potential customers” that this event will provide.

“This workshop is geared towards producers of gift and craft, fashion and apparel, home accessories, specialty food, persons in the business of providing hospitality and persons who want to become exposed to business opportunities,” Mr. Davis outlined.

The stakeholders include the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC). The sponsors of the workshop series are Cable and Wireless and the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The sensitization workshop series will continue in Montego Bay and central Jamaica in March, with several others planned for the rest of the year.

The workshop is free of cost with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.