Nora Blake

A local pioneer in the area of Social Entrepreneurship with extensive technical knowledge in Micro and Small business facilitation at the community level. Presently working at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) managing its newest subsidiary, the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) which is a social sector developmental initiative, seeking to ultimately grow GDP through Social Businesses (Social Enterprises-SEs), via the operation of a trading platform for SEs at the JSE.
Prior, whilst at the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC 2012-2016) – Facilitated and provided oversight as the Minister’s Advisor on faciliting the first-ever Inner-City Entrepreneurship Expo highlighting Trench Town as a place to do business.
Which was staged in Emancipation Park in 2013.
As a Community Builder/Social Entrepreneur:

• Facilitator for numerous micro-businesses operated by inner-city residents
• Through a “Not For Profit”- PICKNEY FRIENDS, which she founded, provide bursaries and funds for school attendance, facilitate Summer School and various Treats during the year for children in Rose Town/Trench Town/Whitfield Town/Maxfield Ave since 2002 to present.
• Coordinate sponsorship from the EU to facilitate children from the inner city participating in the annual FOOD FOR THE POOR & CB-UWI 5K races since 2013. As Chairperson of the Advisory Board for JaMIN Tours under the Agency for Innercity Renewal (AIR) has helped to develop a Community Tourism product for Trench Town, positioning it as the “Birthplace of Reggae music” with the overall intent being to establish Trench Town as a Cultural Village
  JaMIN has attracted an MOU with the Sandals/Island Routes brand, to facilitate their guests visiting Trench Town.
  A Charter member and Past President of the Optimist Club of Trench Town

Ms Blake has also received the following awards:

• ·Prime Minister’s (JAMAICA 50) Medal of Appreciation in 2013
• NCB Nation Builder Award – Individual Category in 2011