JSE Launches Micro Market to Expand Capital Access for Small Businesses

• The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) officially launched its new Micro Market trading platform on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, creating a dedicated avenue for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to access equity financing and participate in the capital markets. The initiative is guided by three core objectives: facilitating equity financing, strengthening access to capital markets, and creating a pathway for business growth through improved governance and market participation.
• Speaking at the launch event, Finance Minister Fayval Williams highlighted that the initiative is intended to broaden access to capital for smaller businesses while providing investors with new opportunities to participate in the growth of Jamaica's entrepreneurial sector.
• The Micro Market is designed to support businesses within the participating equity capital range of approximately J$10Mn-J$50Mn, while providing a structured pathway for companies seeking to scale and eventually access larger segments of the market. Previously, the Micro Market Steering Committee noted that the initiative could facilitate up to 25 listings within its first two years.
• Importantly, similar to the benefits of listing on the Junior Market, companies listed on the Micro Market will benefit from a full income tax holiday for the first five years following listing, followed by a 50% income tax concession for years six through ten, making it an attractive incentive available to growing businesses locally.
• The JSE also introduced a "sandbox" framework to help smaller enterprises gain experience with listing requirements and market standards before formally entering the exchange, while listed entities will be required to make at least 20% of their shares available to the public to promote inclusion and shared ownership.

(Sources: IrieFM & NCBCM Research)