Interest-free loans to help persons with disabilities build businesses, independence

Ten persons living with disabilities received significant assistance toward financial independence when they were each presented with a cheque of $500,000 to either start or expand their small businesses through the Revolving Fund.
According to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the initiative, totalling $5 million, was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Ministry through its Support Services for Persons Living with Disabilities Unit and the Small Business Bureau (SSB).
This partnership, it noted, reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and ensuring that persons living with disabilities are fully supported in building sustainable livelihoods.
Empowerment through economic opportunity remains a key mandate of the Ministry, as it continues to champion initiatives that promote self-reliance, dignity, and long-term stability for vulnerable groups, it added.
During the handing over of the cheque, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon Dr Vindhya Persaud, encouraged the recipients to remain focused and determined, reminding them to continue striving for excellence and to believe in their abilities.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to supporting persons living with disabilities, noting that true empowerment comes from providing the tools and resources needed to thrive.
For the recipients, the loan represents more than financial assistance; it marks a renewed sense of hope, confidence, and the opportunity to turn their ambitions into reality, making this Christmas one of lasting impact and purpose.
The loan is completely interest-free, and as beneficiaries repay it, the funds are reinvested to support others in need. In this way, the assistance continues to circulate, creating a lasting impact and giving true meaning to the name revolving fund.
Raquel Lam was among a group of persons living with disabilities who received an interest-free loan of $500,000 from the Government. The initiative was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Small Business Bureau (SBB).
Lam is thankful for the Government’s initiative and believes the loan will help improve her standard of living.
“I think this will benefit us, because financially we’re not able to work as normal people, and with this aid we will be able to provide for ourselves,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Lansford Jeffrey, who is visually impaired, is thankful for the loan. He said that he has a small business, and the loan will help him grow it.
The financing incentive was launched in 2023 and is designed to promote economic independence and long-term sustainability among PWDs. It provides interest-free loans with no collateral requirements, along with business and financial literacy training through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Disability Services Unit.
The Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said the initiative goes beyond financing by equipping beneficiaries with the skills needed to succeed.
“This is not only about providing financing to persons living with disabilities, but it is also a comprehensive pathway that prepares them to succeed.”
By the end of 2025, a total of 59 persons nationwide are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Dr Persaud said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility across all regions, adding that beneficiaries are also eligible to reapply for financing.