Govt’s new 20% procurement programme boosts over 100 small businesses

Over 100 small business owners will gain new opportunities as the Small Business Bureau, in collaboration with the Public Procurement Commission, launched their 20 per cent Procurement Programme training this Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The programme, which aligns with the Small Business Act (2004) and subsequent amendments, as well as the Procurement Act (2003) and its amendments’ main objective is to bolster the economic impact of public spending by ensuring that at least 20 per cent of government procurement opportunities are accessible to small businesses.
Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Mohamed Ibrahim told the gathering that the strategic objectives of the programme include enhancing small businesses’ capacity to compete for procurement contracts, bolstering private sector capability in contract execution, increasing small business participation in public procurement, and ensuring timely and accurate procurement data dissemination.
Chairwoman of the Public Procurement Commission, Pauline Chase, also provided brief remarks about the Public Procurement Commission.
Deputy Chairwoman at the Small Business Council, Tracy Gibson, who welcomed participants to the informative session, encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity and utilise the knowledge gained to grow their businesses.
One of the main highlights of the event was the live demonstration of the 20 per cent Government Procurement Programme portal by the training coordinator of the bureau, which showcased its user-friendly interface designed to facilitate small business engagement in government tenders.
Participants also benefited from comprehensive presentations by Attorney-at-Law, Esther Osbourne, who expounded on the roles and responsibilities of the PPC, the legislative framework governing procurement, administrative review processes, and the critical issue of debarment.

Antonio Yhan provided insights into the specific procurement processes utilised in Guyana, shedding light on tender openings and evaluation procedures. These sessions were instrumental in equipping attendees with practical knowledge essential for navigating the procurement landscape effectively.
Meanwhile, one participant, who opted to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to uplift marginalised sectors of society, remarking, “This programme caters to the poor people… the man in the street and will definitely make a difference.”
Access to the 20 per cent Government Procurement Programme is limited to registered clients of the Small Business Bureau, guaranteeing that eligible small businesses directly benefit from this strategic initiative. The event attracted over 100 participants, who hailed the initiative as a pivotal step towards empowering small business owners across Guyana.