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The Government of Guyana has delivered significantly on its promise to uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through robust and targeted financial support. With hundreds of small business grants awarded across the country—from Lethem to Georgetown—entrepreneurs now have greater access to the resources they need to not only survive but thrive. This initiative reflects a strategic investment in entrepreneurship as a key driver of national economic growth.
The Small Business Bureau (SBB), operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, has spearheaded the grant programme, focusing on vulnerable and emerging entrepreneurs in both urban and rural regions. In 2023 alone, the SBB disbursed over 1,200 small business grants to Guyanese entrepreneurs, each valued at G$250,000, providing critical capital to scale operations, improve product quality, and increase employment opportunities (Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce).
These grants have been complemented by training and mentoring programmes to ensure recipients are equipped with the necessary skills to manage sustainable enterprises. From agro-processing and garment manufacturing to ICT services and eco-tourism ventures, the diversity of businesses supported showcases the government’s inclusive approach to economic empowerment (Small Business Bureau).
Significantly, the impact of these interventions is being felt across all ten administrative regions. In Region Nine, for example, Indigenous entrepreneurs in Lethem have been supported in launching eco-tourism and craft enterprises that celebrate Guyanese heritage and stimulate local employment. In Georgetown and its environs, food vendors, fashion designers, and tech startups have received grant support, catalyzing urban innovation and entrepreneurship.
The initiative also aligns with the broader national development agenda, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which encourages green enterprise development. Many MSMEs supported under this programme have integrated sustainable practices, such as solar-powered production and environmentally friendly packaging.
The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, emphasized that the grant programme is more than just a financial boost—it’s a vote of confidence in the creativity and resilience of the Guyanese people. “We are not just helping businesses recover; we are building an entrepreneurial culture that can propel Guyana into the future,” she noted during a recent grant distribution ceremony (DPI News).
This initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment. By ensuring small business owners have access to capital and support, Guyana is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustained growth. This is not just policy—it’s progress.
The Guyana Project is an independent media platform delivering fact-checked, ground-level reporting on politics, economy, and public life in Guyana. With a focus on transparency and development, we bring unfiltered news and thoughtful analysis to help shape a more informed, forward-looking nation.
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