Businesses capitalise on innovation at 2025 Business Expo
GCCI President Kathy Smith
More than 50 small businesses from various sectors converged at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for this year’s business expo, where innovation took centre stage as forward-thinking enterprises unveiled cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions to expand Guyana’s business landscape.
The event was held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future for MSMEs.” The week-long programme features seminars, workshops and an exposition.
National Small Business Week (NSBW) is an annual initiative focused on building the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), helping them enhance operations and optimise performance.
Visitors saw a range of benefits, including expert consultations, business advisory sessions and other forms of strategic support throughout NSBW 2025.
Speaking about the expo, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kathy Smith expressed pride in the diversity and growth of the event. “This is the expo where we get to see what our small businesses are displaying. We have close to 50 small businesses showcasing their products and services. This is our third National Small Business Week at the GCCI, and it has become one of our major staple events.”
She added that these businesses span various sectors, contributing greatly to the business landscape. “You might think that it’s just traditional arts and crafts that are on exhibition, but there are businesses involved in logistics, dentistry, construction, and janitorial services. It’s great to see such a wide cross-section of small businesses and we’re committed to making this an annual event to ensure small businesses get the visibility and tools they need to thrive.” She further stated, “You’re seeing some in dentistry… you’re seeing persons in construction… you’re seeing those involved in janitorial operations. So, it’s good to see such a wide cross-section of small businesses, and we’re just happy to be executing this. We want to ensure that small businesses are seen and supported.”
Meanwhile, an innovative business at the expo was Vista Services, which showcased prefab infrastructure – a new model of construction offering faster, more efficient and cost-effective building solutions of prefab.
Prefab broadly refers to parts of a structure that have been manufactured off-site. Once completed, the parts are transported to their final destination for assembly or installation. Speaking to this publication, business representative Orsun Ferguson highlighted how this business can change the traditional path for housing in Guyana. “Our business is Vista Services, and what we do is provide pre-fabricated solutions for accommodation across multiple sectors, including tourism, construction, health, education and residential projects.
One of the main reasons we entered this business is that we understood how difficult it is to build traditional structures – both in terms of cost and especially time,” Ferguson explained. He added that traditional construction often faces delays due to a shortage of skilled labour and machinery, making the process challenging. “The opportunity is to provide solutions for people or businesses wanting to improve their remote offices, build schools – one of our customers is building a school – or expand eco-resorts. We also cater to customers who want apartments or other investment properties. “Our goal is to work with pre-set designs that can be modified or create original designs. Customers can bring their own floor plans or designs, and we can replicate them using our materials.”
Small businesses were not left out of the action. A mother and daughter duo came out in full force at the expo. Speaking with the daughter, Saskia Tull, she described the experience as a great learning opportunity for their business venture.
“It’s just been a blast, and we’ve learned so much. It’s been really, really good today. We specialise in cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, pies, tarts – you name it. My mom’s business is called Radiance Gems, and she makes all of these.”
Her mother highlighted how this experience has been valuable and encouraged others to take similar opportunities.
“I feel at ease when I sit down to create these unique pieces. So far, the response from my customers has been overwhelming. I’m really excited and looking forward to more support. You can check out my business, Regal Radiance Gems, on Instagram,” Ms Tull shared. She also had words of encouragement for aspiring businesspersons: “Don’t be afraid to go out there and do something you love, especially if you’re excited about getting things done. Just go out there and do it, and make it a success.”