Every record you keep moves you a step forward.
Use your own day-to-day records to get ready for grants, funders, diaspora backing and export. Your records do the work, so you and your adviser spend less time on paperwork.
A clear ladder, one step at a time.
Trading informally
Selling for cash, no registration yet, business and personal money mixed.
Operate: Records sales at the register and keeps business money separate.
Documents: Sales records, receipts.
Registered with a TRN
A sole trader using a Taxpayer Registration Number.
Operate: Logs income and expenses against the TRN.
Documents: TRN, valid ID.
Registered business
A business name or company registered with the Companies Office of Jamaica.
Operate: Numbers your invoices properly and keeps customer statements.
Documents: Business name or incorporation certificate.
Tax compliant
Payroll deductions and GCT (where registered) paid and filed, with a Tax Compliance Certificate.
Operate: Works out PAYE, NIS, NHT, Education Tax and HEART, prepares SO1 and SO2 figures, reminds you before your TCC expires.
Documents: TCC, filing receipts.
Ready for programmes and funders
Twelve months or more of reliable records.
Operate: Turns your records into a readiness grade and clean summaries.
Documents: Records, accounts, readiness grade.
The E0 to E4 export readiness ladder.
Your stage is worked out from your real business records, not a questionnaire. Official licences and certificates still come from the relevant bodies.
Not yet exporting
Selling at home only.
Export curious
Steady local demand; packaging and shelf life being worked out.
Export ready at home
Batch records, wholesale prices and standards tracked.
First exports
First shipments sent, with customs paperwork.
Regular exporter
Repeat orders from overseas buyers.
The same records build your grade.
As you sell, pay staff and record purchases in Operate, the readiness engine builds your A to F grade.
You see your own grade and the reasons first, and you decide if and when it is shared.
Blue Ridge Joinery
BSee which programmes you may be ready for.
Operate compares programme criteria with your records and shows what you may be ready for and what is missing. Information only.
Food Processing Growth Programme (illustrative)
3 of 5 criteria met
Indicative only. Programme bodies make their own decisions. 1877 Capital does not award grants.
Plain guides for business owners.
Start building your record.
Operate is free, works without signal, and helps you take the next step.