JN Money has once again partnered with CB Chicken for PAN 2024 by facilitating the money management sessions at both CB Pan Championship Workshops, which are a part of the lead-up activities to the PAN Finals.
These workshops benefitted more than 300 pan chicken vendors across the island who participated in the preliminary round of the CB PAN Championship and covered food safety and wellness, business management, customer service, and menu organisation.
On July 21, approximately 100 vendors from eastern and southern parishes participated in the event held at St Jago High School in Spanish Town, St Catherine.
A week later, about 200 pan chicken vendors from western and northern parishes attended the workshop at the Montego Bay Community College in St James.
JN Bank Business Relationship and Sales Manager Nina Peters, who conducted a presentation on money management and pension planning at the workshops, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.
‘Empowering pan chicken vendors with essential financial literacy skills is critical in helping them to achieve long-term success in their businesses. Our goal is to assist these entrepreneurs to manage their earnings effectively. Also, by equipping them with knowledge on budgeting, saving, and smart investment strategies, they are in a better position to turn their small business into a thriving enterprise,’ she stated.
Karona Powell, a first-time competitor, was one of 14 second-place winners nationally who was awarded a 30,000-dollar prize from CB Chicken for her chicken preparation during the workshop.
She represented Portmore, participated in the first workshop, and expressed her satisfaction with the workshop, noting that it provided invaluable knowledge and practical skills to her and the other participants.
‘The workshop was amazing. It taught me a lot,’ she said, adding that the presentation on budgeting and branding was especially beneficial to her.
‘The presentation was pretty interesting, and she provided information that many of us did not know, such as not using our personal savings for the business but instead take out a business account, budgeting, how to do good investments and how to borrow from the bank to get business loans to help our operations,’ she pointed out.
She also spoke about her overall performance in the competition.
‘I think I could have done better because I’m from Alligator Pond where we produce the best jerk in Jamaica and the Caribbean. When it comes to sauce, I have it. I’m good with the jerk sauce,’ she said.
‘I’m going for the number one spot in the finals. I’m very confident that I can win. I’ve been practising. Practice becomes perfect,’ she relayed.
‘Ms Powell’, who has operated Karona Jerk Seafood at the Hellshire Park Shopping Centre, in Hellshire, St Catherine, for the past six years, pointed out that she extended her menu offerings last year to include pan chicken.
She entered the pan chicken competition based on encouragement from a friend.
The top two participants from each parish in addition to the top two from Portmore, St Catherine, moved on to the finals of the CB PAN Championship set for Independence Park in Black River, St Elizabeth, on August 25.
Kingston and St Andrew were combined for the competition.
JN Money has been on board with the CB PAN Championship for the past seven years.
Sanya Wallace, JN Money assistant general manager of Strategy, Marketing & Sales, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting pan chicken vendors.
‘We believe that through these workshops, participants have gained the confidence and skills needed to elevate their ventures. These workshops were introduced to provide hands-on training and valuable information that can help to make them even more successful in their businesses,’ Wallace said.
‘We are deeply invested in the growth and success of small businesses in Jamaica. Our sponsorship of the CB PAN Championship is making a significant impact on the lives of pan vendors by supporting small business owners and contributing to community development across Jamaica. Being a partner in this championship aligns with our mission to encourage economic development, support financial inclusion agendas and empower local entrepreneurs. It’s our way of giving back and supporting the vibrant culture and economy that drives our nation forward.’
At the grand finals, in addition to prizes from CB Chicken and other pan partners, JN Money will award JM$150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 to the first, second and third place winners, respectively.
