The Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) recently announced the five finalists for its “Supreme Heroes” program for 2026. These finalists are remarkable micro-business owners working hard to improve their communities in Jamaica. They include:
- Veneish Wallace: Nurse and founder of Eliza Care.
- Kymara Elliott: Educator and founder of Green Care Training & Workshops.
- Akeem Brown: Founder of Greenwich Town Youths in Action.
- Jovan Miller: Creative technologist and founder of PolyCloud Interactive.
- Daniela Woodbine: Founder of Chapter to Chapter Tutoring Services.
At the launch event, Chloleen Daley-Muschett from SVF spoke about the program’s aim to empower individuals who bring about meaningful change in their communities. “We want to support those already making a difference, often with limited resources,” she said. This initiative not only provides financial backing but also training to help these leaders grow their impact.
The program partners with Changemakers and the Mona Entrepreneurial and Commercialisation Centre (MECC), which will guide the finalists through a structured business development process. Each finalist will receive a grant of $500,000 to fund a community project and a new laptop to help execute their plans.
Kymara Elliott shared a heartfelt story about her journey sustaining her workshops for underserved youth in Parade Gardens for over five years. “Support has been scarce,” she admitted. But, receiving this funding and technology felt transformative for her mission.
After the training and project phase, the finalists will be judged by a panel and the public. One standout will be crowned the 2026 Supreme Hero and get an extra $1.5 million grant.
Also present at the event was Abiathar Neita, a finalist from 2025. He emphasized that the skills gained through the program would benefit them and their communities long after it ends. “You’re all winners for what you do,” he encouraged the new cohort.
Data shows the importance of grassroots initiatives like these. According to a recent report from the World Bank, small businesses in developing countries significantly contribute to job creation and local economies. Programs like Supreme Heroes not only recognize these efforts but invest in their growth, making a real difference in communities.
For more on community support and entrepreneurship, check the World Bank’s report on small businesses and their impact here.
