Beneficiaries of Govt’s Small Business Grants thankful

– say were able to expand existing businesses

Over 100 residents from Laing Avenue, East, and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown communities have so far benefitted from the Government of Guyana’s Small Business Grants.
The grants were offered through the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme executed by the Office of the President (OP).
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that a total of $1.8 billion will be expended in 2023 to stimulate small business growth across the country.
Guyana Times spoke with a few of the beneficiaries, who shared their success stories and how the grant has helped them to set up their businesses.

Shanella Persaud, the proprietor of Shanella’s Blessed Catering Deluxe, has been able to expand her business and offer improved services after receiving a grant of $250,000. With the help of this grant, she was able to purchase better kitchen utensils, resulting in faster service and increased customer satisfaction.
She credits her success to one of her Facebook clients who encouraged her to apply for the grant in order to expand her catering business.

As such, she reached out to a representative of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Trichia Richards, to enquire about the grant that the Government was offering. “I simply just gave meh name, business name, and contact information, and the money was received within two weeks,” Persaud said.
In addition, Jeremiah Tappin, a resident of Block 1 Laing Avenue, who operates a photography business, stated that the grant has allowed him to purchase better equipment. He is also a barber in the community.
“I was able to buy a 25 – 70mm camera lens, which works as a better zooming tool for photographers.”
With this new lens, Tappin will be able to improve the quality of his photography work.

In addition to upgrading his photography equipment, Tappin also invested in an airbrush compressor for his barbershop. “This compressor allows me to better serve my clients and have a faster flow of business.”
The new equipment has undoubtedly enhanced the experience for Tappin’s customers and helped him provide a more efficient service. Thanks to the grant, Tappin has been able to make significant improvements to both his photography business and the barbershop.
Further, Jasmine Harris of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has transformed her passion for making and distributing local juices into a successful business of also distributing ground seasoning.
What started as a small-scale operation catering to family and friends within the community has now flourished, thanks to the grant she received.
Harris expressed gratitude for the chance to expand beyond her juice production and delve into the world of seasoning.
The game-changing grant not only provided the necessary funds but also opened doors to essential knowledge and skills through a workshop hosted by the Small Business Bureau (SBB). The workshop empowered Harris to manage her small business more effectively, to ensure its long-term growth and success.
Reflecting on their experiences, the recipients of the cash grants shared their enthusiasm and appreciation.
These entrepreneurs admitted that the grants played a pivotal role in the establishment and operation of their respective small businesses.
As such, they encouraged others who may be embarking on a similar journey to stay patient and persevere, if seeking Government assistance.
The heartening success stories of Shanella Persaud, Jeremiah Tappin, and Jasmine Harris serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to start small.
Their dedication, coupled with the invaluable support received from the Small Business Bureau and the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme stands as a testament to the profound impact that Government grants can have on small businesses.
While the implementation of this support programme is currently limited to certain areas in Region Four, the Government plans to expand its rollout through the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) nationwide.
Approximately 5000 individuals are expected to benefit from this initiative.