Government navigator

The form, the cost, the time it takes, who to call — and what members who have done it wish they had known. Fees are starting points; confirm with the agency before you go.

What do you want to do?

Start a business Sell food or drinks Sell on the street or in the market Farm, fish or raise animals Get a loan or grant Hire workers Hold an event or party Barber, salon or beauty Butcher or sell meat Sell to Government Taxes and compliance

Guides for Start a business, in the order most people need them. Show everything

1step

Get a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
Every business and sole trader needs a TRN before anything else — banking, GCT, contracts and government programmes all ask for it.

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)

2step

Register a business name or sole proprietorship
Trading under any name other than your own requires registration with the Companies Office.

Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ)

3step

Incorporate a limited company
A limited company separates your personal assets from the business and is what most lenders, tenders and larger customers expect.

Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ)

4step

Municipal trade licence and signage approval
Most retail, food and service premises in the parish need a trade licence from the Municipal Corporation, renewed annually.

Westmoreland Municipal Corporation

Still not sure where to go? Email the Secretariat or ask at the next general meeting — no question is too small.