Contributed
Saffrey Brown (second left), general manager, Jamaica National Building Society Foundation, shows off plans for the development of 'The Source Maverley', a resource centre to be established in the community by Jamaica National and the Jamaica Automobile Association, at the signing ceremony with Maverley Community Council, at the centre's future home, on July 3.

Sabrina Gordon, Business Reporter

Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) has moved ahead with plans to expand 'The Source' - a one-stop community-based resource centre established just over a year ago - into a social enterprise franchise.

The mortgage agency and small business/micro-enterprise financier has already signed agreements to that effect with the St Ann Chamber of Commerce (SACOC) and the Maverley Community Council (MCC).

"We are actively exploring opportunities for further expansion, to extend our reach in underserved communities across the island," said Saffrey Brown, general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society Foundation.

Partnership implementation

The franchising operation, she says, will be implemented through partnerships with private- and public-sector interests.

"We are open to new locations," Brown told Sunday Business.

"If other private-/public-sector interests have identified a community that they want to work in, we will support them with that," she said.

The memorandum of under-standing signed separately with SACOC, run by Norma Walters, and the MCC, will see the establishment of The Source in two additional locations, Maverley in St Andrew, and Ocho Rios in St Ann, before the end of the year.

A third, targeted for April 2009, will be established in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, where communities such as Seaton Crescent, Grotto and Russia will have access.

The Source August Town, the first and only centre to date, offers services ranging from business management and support via the Jamaica Business Development Centre to job placements.

The $3.3 million facility located at Bryce Hill Plaza, was funded by the Jamaica National Building Society and is managed by The JN Foundation.

The main concept

"The business model from which The Source was conceptualised emphasises partnership as vital to co-ownership of community initiatives that enhance learning, increase employment and promote viable enterprise for residents," said Brown in a press release.

The Source St Ann is a $2.5 million venture funded by the JN Foundation, but administered by SACOC from its own facilities.

The Source St Ann will host a resource library, provide personalised business development and start-up support for business, provide an Internet café, and offer mentoring to young persons in the community.

It becomes operational in October.

Financing for micro, small and medium enterprise will also be available to residents through JN Small Business Loans Limited.

The Source Maverley opens to the communities of Maverley, Hughenden and Pembroke Hall in September.

That facility, which is being funded by the Jamaica Automobile Association - a subsidiary of JNBS - is expected to cost approximately $3.6 million and will be managed by the JN Foundation and the MCC.

The facility will be handed over completely to the MCC when JN determines that it has the capacity and expertise to manage on its own.

The Savanna-la-Mar centre on which the costings are still to be finalised, is expected to be more expensive to develop.

JN Foundation is now looking for potential partners, said Brown. Another centre is under consideration for Boucher Park in St Andrew, but according to Brown, JN Foundation first needs to solve the problem of space for the centre.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com