Sisters turn BIT training into a recipe for business growth

For many, enrolling in a course with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is about acquiring new knowledge or enhancing employability. But for sisters Tia and Tameira Forde, it was a calculated step toward scaling their culinary venture, T’s Delight & Catering Service.

The siblings, aged 23 and 26, respectively, officially launched their food business in November 2024, quickly gaining traction for their mouth-watering selection of grilled seafood, including salmon, snapper, and prawns. Recognising the intense competition in the local food industry, they took a strategic leap by signing up for professional training and certification.
“Our business is probably about 95 per cent almost finished. So, when we finish this course, we are going to pay more attention because we already have more knowledge.” Tameira said during their graduation ceremony on Monday with the Department of Public Information (DPI). The Forde sisters were among more than 100 students who graduated from BIT that day.
Driven by a shared passion for cooking, the sisters knew that passion alone wouldn’t sustain or grow their enterprise. Enrolling in the Commercial Food Preparation programme offered by BIT allowed them to sharpen their culinary skills and gain essential knowledge in areas like food safety and pastry preparation, key components for a successful food business.
Graduating with distinctions, the sisters acknowledged the sacrifices they made during their studies. Attending day classes meant shifting their work hours to the evenings, often working late into the night to keep their business afloat. Despite moments of doubt, their persistence proved worthwhile.
Tia, the younger of the two, shared her plans to introduce rice wine, a beverage she was exposed to during the programme, as a unique addition to their menu.
Grateful for the opportunity, both sisters urged other young entrepreneurs to take advantage of training programmes that can build skills and open doors to new income streams.
Over the last five years, more than 13,000 Guyanese have earned certification through BIT in a wide range of disciplines, including plumbing, welding, carpentry, cosmetology, and more, equipping them with practical skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.