Scale90 in New York: What It Means for Jamaican Founders

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Key Takeaways:

* Scale90 is a New York-based growth platform aimed at small businesses — useful for Jamaican-owned firms in the US and those exporting there.

* To benefit, your Jamaican business generally needs a registered US entity (LLC or Corp), an EIN, and a US business bank account.

* Jamaica's own MSME support (JBDC, DBJ, JAMPRO) can be paired with US-side programmes to fund expansion — but you must keep both sides compliant.

Executive Summary & Background

Scale90 has launched in New York with a simple pitch: small businesses shouldn't have to figure out growth alone. For Jamaican entrepreneurs — whether you're running a Brooklyn barbershop, a Kingston-based food exporter, or a Montego Bay service firm chasing US clients — this matters more than the headline suggests. New York is the single largest concentration of Jamaican-owned businesses outside Jamaica, and it's also the gateway market most Jamaican exporters target first. A programme built to help small firms scale in that city is, in practice, a resource for the diaspora business community.

But here's the honest part: "launching a platform" is not the same as "here's your cheque." Most Jamaican founders who get burned by US-side programmes do so because they show up without the boring paperwork — no US entity, no EIN, no clean bookkeeping. This guide is about closing that gap so you can actually walk through the door when an opportunity like Scale90 opens.

Key Jamaican Laws, Regulations & Requirements

If you're operating from Jamaica and want to access US business growth programmes, you're dealing with two legal systems at once.

On the Jamaican side:

• Companies Act (2004) — your Jamaican company must be registered and in good standing with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ). Annual returns matter; a lapsed company can't sign credible contracts.
• Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) from Tax Administration Jamaica — required for most formal business dealings, tenders, and financing.
• JBDC registration — free, and it unlocks MSME support, training, and referrals to the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) for financing.
• JAMPRO — your first stop if you're exporting to the US; they handle trade missions and market-entry support.

On the US side:

• A US entity — typically a Delaware or New York LLC. You do not need to be a US citizen or green card holder to own one.
• An EIN from the IRS — free to obtain, and required to open a US business bank account.
• ITIN or SSN — needed for certain filings and banking, though not for forming the LLC itself.
• State registration — if you're "doing business" in New York (office, employees, regular meetings), you must register as a foreign entity with New York State.

Step-by-Step Actionable Process

1. Get your Jamaican house in order first. Pull your COJ status, file any outstanding annual returns, and secure a valid TCC. US programmes and banks will ask for proof your home entity is legitimate.

1. Form a US entity if you're targeting US clients or programmes. An LLC is usually the simplest route. Use a registered agent, and don't skip the operating agreement — it protects you if a partner exits.

1. Apply for your EIN and open a US business bank account. The EIN is free from the IRS; avoid third parties charging hundreds for it. Banking usually requires the EIN plus your formation documents and ID.

1. Register with JBDC and JAMPRO for the Jamaica-side support. JBDC gives you MSME training and DBJ financing pathways; JAMPRO connects you to export markets and trade shows. Both are free or low-cost.

1. Then engage programmes like Scale90 with clean numbers. Have 12 months of bookkeeping, a simple growth plan, and a clear ask. Programmes help businesses that are already organised — they don't organise businesses for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a US citizen to join a New York small-business programme?

No. You can own a US LLC and join most programmes as a non-resident, provided you have a valid EIN and a US business bank account. Some programmes require a US address, so a registered agent address often works.

Can I use Scale90 if my business is based in Jamaica?

Only if you have a US-facing entity or a clear US market plan. Otherwise, start with JBDC and JAMPRO, which are built for Jamaica-based MSMEs and cost far less to access.

Will joining a US programme affect my Jamaican tax obligations?

Yes — you remain taxable in Jamaica on worldwide income if you're resident there. Get advice from a Jamaican accountant familiar with US LLC pass-through rules before you sign anything.