Budget 2025 estimates & expenditure: Walrond clarifies shift from small business grants to community projects

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, revealed that the Ministry has shifted its focus from dispensing small business grants, and is now moving towards the Strategic Community Development Project, which provides opportunities for small businesses to collaborate in different areas.
She made this announcement during the recent budget debates, when asked by Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament, Juretha V. Fernandes, in a series of back-to-back questions.
The MP inquired about the number of small businesses that received loans and grants from the Small Business Bureau (SBB), and the capital expenditure allocated to the Small Business Development Fund, which increased from $450 million in 2024 to a whopping $600 million in 2025.
According to MP Fernandes, in 2024, some 120 persons benefited from the fund, which, on average, amounted to $3.6 million per recipient.
However, in 2025, Guyana is targeting 2,182 recipients.

The MP pointed out that with the increased allocation of $600 million, the average per recipient would drop to $275,000. She then questioned what exactly informed the decision to target 2,182 recipients.
“The Honourable Minister reported on the capital expenditure that has gone to the Small Business Development Fund, which increased from $450 million in 2024 to $600 million in 2025; in 2024, we had 120 persons receiving from that amount, and on average, that would give you $3.6 million per recipient. But now we’re moving to a target in 2025 of 2,182 recipients,” she noted.
She added, “So I’m asking the Honourable Minister, what exactly is informing this number? This 2,182—are you specifically targeting a different type of business? And because the allocation there is $600 million for 2025, could you give the House a little bit of explanation as to how we’re moving from 120 to 2,182, when we’re only increasing from $450 million to $600 million?”
To this end, Minister Walrond replied that the focus has changed.
“We have changed focus from dispensing small business grants and are now moving towards the Strategic Community Development Project. It’s providing small businesses the opportunity to come together in different areas.”
According to Minister Walrond, this is a strategic approach where the Ministry actively engaged with communities.
“And so, the Small Business team went out to different communities, conducted research on the ground, and they have indicated, as I have, that this initiative is designed to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs in these communities, and boost the local economy. Rather than giving out grants, we have identified different projects.”
Minister Walrond further provided examples of these projects in various communities across Guyana.
“So, in different communities, there might be prawn farming, hydroponics, cashew nut farming, and several shade houses across different communities. This ensures that small businesses are involved in community projects and community entrepreneurship, making them an integral part of the local economy. We will be providing the necessary resources to support these initiatives,” she explained.
Following up on the questions initially asked, Fernandez requested more clarification on the 2,182 recipients.
The Tourism Minister relayed that the 2,000 number was when the focus was on the dispersion of grants. Now that the focus has changed, that number no longer applies.
On that note Fernandez further pressed Minister Walrond to confirm whether they have moved from actually giving small businesses loans and grants, to instead giving individuals a $275,000 grant.
In fact, she queried as to how are these persons being identified within the various communities.
Minister Walrond then provided additional clarification, revealing that MP Fernandes would’ve misunderstood the new change implemented by the Tourism Ministry.
“I think the Honourable Member is missing the point. It is no longer about identifying individuals. So, for instance, please, Mr Speaker…where there is aquaculture, farmers have expressed interest in engaging in the industry. In Moruca, they are interested in having shade houses where they can grow value-added crops. In Kamwatta, ten farmers have indicated that they would like to get into solar aquaculture. Each community’s initiative is based on the needs and requests of that specific community.”
Minister Walrond added that through these projects, jobs will be created. For instance, in one area, so far it’s estimated that 20 jobs will be created, and in Moruca, an additional 20.
These projects, she said, are designed to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the sustainability of both the community and local enterprises.