Zion Entrepreneurial Village: A Bold Vision for Economic Empowerment

Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship

The Zion Entrepreneurial Village is an innovative initiative in Martha Brae, Jamaica, designed to empower individuals and families by fostering economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.

Why Zion?

Zion is more than a place—it’s a movement. Strategically located just 15 minutes from the historic Falmouth cruise ship port, the community is uniquely positioned to blend local enterprise with global tourism, offering artisans, service providers, and small business owners direct access to a thriving marketplace.

Key Features:

  • Land donated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay.
  • Formation of the Zion Community Action Group Benevolent Society for self-governance.
  • Educational and entrepreneurial training partnerships with Holland High School and the University of the West Indies Department of Psychology and Social Work .

The Role of Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB)

  • Entrepreneurship Training – Structured programs teaching business skills, financial literacy, and leadership.
  • Mentorship & Networking – Connecting local entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders.
  • Supportive Ecosystem – Access to investment, industry expertise, and business development resources.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

The Zion Entrepreneurial Community is more than a charitable endeavor—it’s an investment in people. With your support, you can be a part of this movement by:

  • 💡 Sponsor entrepreneurship training programs for aspiring business owners.
  • 🏡 Fund infrastructure that enables small businesses to thrive.
  • 🚀 Provide seed funding for local entrepreneurs.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

Be part of this transformational movement. Your contribution will fuel economic opportunity, drive sustainable development, and empower individuals to take charge of their futures.

🔹 Donate Today
🔹 Partner with Us
🔹 Learn More About EAB’s Work

📩 For more information, contact:


Contact Us

For more information, contact: info@eaborders.org

Progress

Conception

2010 - The idea of an entrepreneurial village is conceived.

EAB, FFTP, and UpMobility Establish Partnership for Project

2019 - Martin Babinec of EAB visits the community with the FFTP team and the collective commitment to making this village a reality is established.  The initial concept is drafted, FFTP meets with the University of the West Indies (UWI) resulting in an alliance crealeted between the two entities.  community surveys, data verification, and topographical work with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Food for the Poor (FFTP).

Location Identified

After nearly a decade of searching the island a piece of land is identified for the site of the Village. The property was owned by the Archdiocese of Montego Bay.

Covid Strikes

2020 - The onset of COVID-19 and the resulting strict government regulations limited FFTP's ability to meaningfully engage with the community. Nevertheless, FFTP continued collaborating with stakeholders and partnered with UWI to develop strategic tools aimed at improving community understanding.

Information Gathering

Work continued on gathering information, developing strategic relationships, and preparing FFTP team members for the work ahead.

Land Studies Commence

2022 - As some of the stringent Covid restrictions started to ease up, FFTP initiated the land studies while continuing to develop their relationship with community members.

Gathering the Community

Significant progress was achieved in community engagement through participatory learning exercises in the area community. While the residents of Zion demonstrated a strong sense of community through their interactions, they lacked a formal organization to advocate on their behalf. The launch of capacity-building workshops represented a crucial milestone, empowering the community to unite, share aspirations, and recognize their collective ability to drive positive change.

Land Donated!

2024 - With the generous donation of the land by the Catholic Church and Diocese of Montego Bay and the shared commitment of EAB, FFTP, and UpMobility, this phase marked a pivotal moment in the Zion project, signifying the successful completion of foundational activities and the transition to an exciting new chapter of development and growth.

Ground Breaking

An Intimate and meaningful groundbreaking and blessing ceremony attended by Martin Babinec, Chris Cochran (EAB Executive Director), Bishop John Persaud, Ed Raine, Sister John (Kkottongnae community), Dayle Edwards (Holland High School Principal), FFTP team members, and most importantly, the community represented by Zion Community Action Group.

 

What's Next

With the property secured and the pre-initiative groundwork laid EAB, FFTP, UpMobility, and Zion Community Action Group begin the planning phases. With construction still on the horizon, planning has started, permitting has begun, and final approvals from local municipalities are being applied for. 

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Ground Breaking Ceremony
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Future Home of Zion Entrepreneurial Village
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Location of Zion Entrepreneurial Village
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Zoom In on Future Site of Zion Entrepreneurial Village