One-stop business clinic brings services closer to Reg 5 entrepreneurs

-initiative expands nationwide to support small businesses, improve compliance

Residents and aspiring entrepreneurs in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are now benefiting from easier access to critical Government services, following the rollout of a Community Business Clinic at the Rosignol Stelling Tarmac, an initiative aimed at eliminating long-standing barriers to business registration, compliance and growth, while forming part of a wider nationwide programme. The outreach, spearheaded by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, brought together several key agencies in a single location, allowing persons to access services such as business registration, tax identification, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) enrolment, and regulatory guidance without the need to travel to multiple offices.
Regional Chairman Ricardo Phillips described the initiative as both timely and impactful, noting that it directly addresses the challenges faced by residents who often spend days moving between agencies to complete basic processes.

“This initiative has put all the services that prospective business owners need under one roof… because oftentimes persons have to travel to different agencies and spend days just to get simple documentation,” Phillips said. He further linked the clinic to the country’s expanding economic landscape, pointing out that with major projects expected to come on stream following the passage of the national budget, it is critical for businesses to position themselves to benefit.
“It is a timely intervention… with the national budget, many projects will be coming on stream… and this allows prospective contractors and service providers to get registered and benefit from those opportunities,” he added. Meanwhile, Director of Commerce at the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Safrana Cameron-Beard, explained that the initiative reflects a deliberate shift by the Government to bring services directly into communities, rather than requiring citizens to travel long distances. “We are coming to the communities… because it’s about the people… we want to improve service delivery and make it easier for businesses to access what they need,” she said. Cameron-Beard noted that beyond registration, the clinic also focuses on ensuring that businesses are fully compliant and equipped to access emerging opportunities within Guyana’s growing economy. “Here, persons can get registered, obtain their TIN certificate, register with NIS, and understand what is required to become compliant and benefit from opportunities,” she explained. She added that support extends beyond compliance, with agencies and partners providing training, mentorship, and access to financing opportunities to help businesses scale and sustain operations. The Community Business Clinic forms part of a broader national rollout, with similar initiatives already conducted in Lethem, Mahdia, New Amsterdam, and Parfait Harmony. According to Cameron-Beard, the Ministry reached approximately 10 communities last year, with plans to expand further in 2026. Upcoming outreaches are expected to target communities such as Moruca in Region One (Barima-Waini); Aishalton in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and Suddie in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), as authorities seek to ensure that entrepreneurs across Guyana, regardless of location, have equal access to support services.
The continued expansion of the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening small businesses, improving compliance and ensuring that citizens are better positioned to benefit from national development opportunities.