Sabrina N. Gordon. Business Reporter

The Small Businesses Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) is moving to build its capacity for securing contracts for large and complex projects by creating a consortium of qualified professionals.

The association will also use the initiative to build on membership as well as build the expertise and experience of its members.

"This is a good opportunity for SBAJ members and prospective members to capitalise on opportunities as well as build on their expertise," explained Meredith Darby, secretary/director of SBAJ in charge of the project.

Citing the difficulties in securing large and complex contracts on an individual basis, Darby outlined that the group would be focusing on procuring contracts for government and corporate entities.

"Sometimes for one consultant to get a job it is difficult, also (they) may not have the necessary experience, (therefore) by pooling resources one maximises on experience and can offer a better service," Darby said, adding that a group arrangement would allow for the preparation of more "complete" proposals.

Professional consortium

To join the consortium, whose structure has not yet been finalised, interested parties would first be required to become a member of the SBAJ, which sets you back between $3,000 and $10,000 a year, depending on the size of business.

It is virtually clear from this point to join the professional consortium that will be led by a committee which will draw on the expertise of individual members to execute projects. "You just say you want to become a part of the consortium and you will be listed as part of it, no fee is charge," the SBAJ director explained.

Payment would then be determined by the level of input in a given project by each member, who would be given full credit for work done to ensure visibility.

"The consortium involves sharing of risk in the various projects and gives individual professional and businesses an opportunity to participate in business activity by pooling resources for achieving a common goal,"said Darby.

A contract has already been signed with the United States Agency for International Develop-ment to develop a suitable business model for an ecotourism project.

The 54-member team is eyeing partnerships with government agencies such as the Scientific Research Council, Ministry of Agriculture and the University of the West Indies by providing consulting services for various projects. The Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Private Sector Develop-ment Programme have been targeted as potential projects and the group is in the process of preparing proposals.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com