Jamaica Stock Exchange Opens Micro Market With Five-Year Tax Holiday for Listings

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has launched its micro market, a new listing platform aimed at micro and small enterprises seeking equity financing to grow and expand their operations.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams said the move represents a significant step in unlocking the potential of Jamaica's entrepreneurial sector. Companies that list on the micro market will receive a full income tax holiday for the first five years after listing, followed by a 50 per cent income tax concession for years six through ten.

"Most importantly, companies that list on the micro market will benefit from one of our most compelling incentives in our investment landscape," Williams said. She described the package as encouragement for businesses to step forward and be listed, adding that the platform will give owners access to patient capital needed to transform and scale their operations.

Ten companies are already listed on the micro market. The JSE estimates that as many as 25 firms could join within the first two years, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Williams said the micro market extends the exchange's purpose of widening access to capital formation for the smallest enterprises in a manner that is fair, transparent, and rules-based, consistent with every other market the JSE operates.

Research reviewed by the Jamaica Central Securities Depository Committee found that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 90 per cent of employment in Jamaica and contribute about 80 per cent of income tax revenues.