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A major initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guyana is on the horizon, as the government prepares to launch a special development banking institution designed to make financing more accessible and affordable for local entrepreneurs. The new development bank will offer zero percent interest loans to SMEs—a groundbreaking move aimed at reducing borrowing costs and eliminating one of the most common barriers to business growth. For many small business owners, traditional loans come with high interest rates and collateral requirements that are difficult to meet, especially in the early stages of enterprise development. This new model seeks to change that.
In addition to the interest-free lending, the bank will adopt a co-investment approach. This means that the bank will partner with businesses in their growth journey, absorbing part of the financial risk and reducing the collateral burden on the entrepreneur. This innovative framework is expected to open new doors for thousands of micro and small businesses, particularly those led by young entrepreneurs, women, and persons in underserved regions (Ministry of Finance; Department of Public Information).
The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to build economic resilience from the ground up by empowering local businesses and fostering inclusive economic participation. With small businesses playing a critical role in job creation and community development, this move is seen as a strategic investment in Guyana’s long-term prosperity.
In parallel with the banking institution, the government also plans to establish a dedicated facility to house small businesses. This centre will provide a secure, high-value environment where entrepreneurs can operate with dignity and scale their operations. The facility is expected to offer not just physical infrastructure, but also shared services, mentorship, and access to markets—giving small businesses the ecosystem they need to succeed (Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce; Department of Public Information).
These measures are designed to encourage innovation, reduce informality in the business sector, and allow more citizens to become economically independent. For many, this marks a shift toward a more supportive business climate where entrepreneurship is not only encouraged but structurally enabled.
As the development bank takes shape, it signals a new chapter in Guyana’s economic agenda—one where small business is not left behind, but placed at the centre of the country’s growth story.
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.
New 0% Interest Development Bank to Empower Guyana’s Small Businesses
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