13,000 persons trained in small business development – Tourism Minister

– as GCCI President underscores growth potential for new, existing entrepreneurs

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry has marked a major milestone, recording more than 13,000 Guyanese trained in small business development since 2020 – including 2700 trained in 2025 alone.
This update was provided by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, who described the numbers as a testament to the Government’s expanding support for entrepreneurs nationwide.
Before detailing the Ministry’s accomplishments, Rodrigues emphasised the scale of Government investment in small business growth.
“Nearly 4000 businesses have benefitted from Small Business Grants valued at almost $1 billion, and more than 140 businesses have received loans through our Loan Guarantee Programme amounting to $1.2 billion.”
She noted that assistance has gone far beyond financing, pointing out that the Ministry continues to help entrepreneurs gain visibility and market access.
“We have also continued to support small businesses in showcasing their products both locally and abroad. Since 2020, almost 300 businesses have benefited from assistance to participate in expos and trade fairs. And for GuyExpo 2025, the Small Business Bureau is supporting over 30 small businesses to ensure they gain visibility, exposure, and new opportunities for growth.”
Rodrigues also reflected on previous years when small businesses were not given adequate priority.
“Various persons failed to recognise the value that small businesses bring to our economy. And so this GuyExpo that we had grown to love and appreciate was abandoned. In doing so, they not only abandoned GuyExpo, but they abandoned our local manufacturers, creative industry, women, youth, and every citizen who ever dreamt of owning a business. Today, under the leadership of President Ali, we have reignited that vision, restoring confidence, opportunity, and pride in Guyanese enterprise.”
Turning her perspective towards Guyana’s business incubators, Rodrigues highlighted the impact of the Lethem and Belvedere facilities, describing them as crucial centres of innovation.
“Lethem and Belvedere continue to show the real impact of innovation and Government support. They provide value-added processing and packaging, free of cost, to our small business owners. Innovation is not limited to products – it is also about how we deliver services and strengthen partnerships.”
It is on that note that she noted that Guyana’s digital transformation is reshaping how Government serves the business community.
“Under the extraordinary leadership of President Ali, Guyana is undergoing a digital transformation that is modernising Government services, improving efficiency, and creating a smarter, more connected nation. These investments are not to be taken for granted. Lest we forget, there was a time not so long ago when a Government showed no interest in supporting small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and the wider private sector.”

GCCI and MSMEs
Meanwhile, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kathy Smith underscored the importance of platforms like GuyExpo, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Before offering practical advice, she highlighted the makeup of the GCCI’s membership whilst providing particular stats.
“Platforms such as GuyExpo are highly beneficial, particularly for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. At the GCCI, at least 70 per cent of our close to 1000 members are MSMEs, and over 40 per cent are women-owned and women-led businesses.”
Smith encouraged entrepreneurs – especially small business owners – to recognise that opportunities are now readily available in the business landscape. However, she stressed that many small businesses continue to hinder their own progress due to poor compliance and weak business structures.

She noted that a significant number of entrepreneurs cannot be easily contacted, with some lacking even a basic telephone number or social media presence. Smith emphasised that this lack of visibility makes it difficult for potential customers or partners to reach them.
The GCCI President made it her duty to urge business owners to separate their personal and business finances, pointing out that many continue to deposit business earnings into personal accounts, which creates challenges for transparency, growth, and financial tracking.
In fact, she stressed that today’s environment offers unprecedented growth potential for new and existing entrepreneurs.
“This is a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity. It is a time where opportunities are ripe for picking, where entrepreneurship is thriving. The private sector continues to benefit from the Government’s development policies and strategic investment… This Government has been a catalyst for opportunities and the success of entrepreneurship, and that deserves acknowledgement.”
Smith also highlighted several partnerships between GCCI and the Government aimed at capacity building.
“We are also working with the Minister of Agriculture to train farmers and women-led businesses in targeted areas geared towards catapulting their businesses to sustainable operations and success, which will be facilitated in our newly commissioned Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre.”