1. It is mandatory that all applications to SCJ Holdings Limited (SCJH) for the lease or purchase of lands be underpinned by a comprehensive Business Plan.
2. Consistent with Government of Jamaica (GoJ) Land Divestment policies and procedures, the business plan is a critical element in the assessment and approval process. The SCJH places primary importance on the demonstrated feasibility and financial viability of the proposed project. Applications that fail to clearly establish the economic soundness and long-term sustainability of the venture will not be recommended for approval.
3. While SCJH does not provide a rigid template, the Business Plan must explicitly address the following requirements:

1. Applicant Identification

(a) Name of Entity/Individual.

(b) Incorporation details (Nature, Date, Jurisdiction).

(c) Principals of the Company: Brief biographies including business history and relevant experience.

2. Business to be Pursued

(a) Precise amount of lands required.

(b) Purpose(s) for which the land is required.

(c) Description of product(s) and/or services.

(d) Commodities vs. processed (value-added) outputs.

(e) Target markets (Exports vs. domestic consumption).

3. Operational Feasibility & Financial Viability (CRITICAL)

(a) Technical Feasibility: Identification of requisite technical skills and the process for acquiring them to establish and operate the business.

(b) Facilities: Any infrastructure required (e.g., processing plants, warehousing).

(c) Land Utilization: Proposed rate of land utilization per annum.

(d) Financial Viability: Comprehensive demonstration that the business model is financially sound and operationally sustainable over the long term.

(e) Funding: Clear identification of the source and availability of financing required to establish, operate, and develop the business.

(f) Risk Management: Identification of likely risks to the project and specific measures to mitigate them.

4. Benefits to Jamaica

(a) Capital Investment: Total investment to reach corporate milestones and the specific timeline.

(b) Annual Investment: Projected yearly expenditure.

(c) Employment: Number of jobs to be created (direct and indirect).

(d) Economic Linkages: Integration with the local economy and supply chains.

(e) Community Involvement: Impact on and involvement of the surrounding community.

To be considered “bankable” and move forward in the divestment process, applicants must provide detailed information in the following areas:

1. Financial Projections & Viability

• • Cash Flow Statements: At least five (5) years of projected cash flows.
  • Profit & Loss Projections: Detailed revenue streams and expense breakdowns.
  • Break-even Analysis: Evidence of when the project is expected to become self-sustaining.
  • Proof of Funding: Letters of intent from financial institutions, bank statements, or proof of private equity/investor backing.

2. Technical Assessment

• • Soil & Water Requirements: A clear statement of the project’s resource needs and how they will be managed by applicant (e.g., irrigation plans).
  • Production Cycle: Detailed timelines for crop cycles, manufacturing processes, or service delivery phases.
  • Technology: Description of any modern technology or specialized equipment to be utilized to ensure efficiency.

3. Implementation Schedule (Development Plan)

• • A “Phase-in” schedule showing how the requested land will be utilized over time. SCJH seeks to avoid land remaining idle; therefore, concrete milestones for development (e.g., Year 1: 25%, Year 2: 60%, Year 3: 100%) must be presented.

4. Market Analysis

• • Evidence of demand for the product/service.
  • Letters of Intent (LOIs) from potential off-takers or buyers are highly encouraged to prove market viability.

1. Applications for the lease or purchase of lands must be submitted to SCJ Holdings Limited via the dedicated land department email: lands@scjholdings.gov.jm.
2. Applications are reviewed by SCJH Internal Review Committee (IRC) and submitted to the Land Divestment and Monitoring Committee of the Board with an appropriate recommendation.
3. The Committee forwards the application to the full Board of Directors for a final decision.
4. In instances involving the sale of lands, submissions will require final approval from the Cabinet of Jamaica.