Small businesses optimistic about impact of expansion

GuyExpo 2016

With the renewed focus of GuyExpo being business expansion and enterprise, a number of small businesses came out to participate in this year’s exposition to market their products and services.

Taking a walk through the booths in the GuyExpo compound, it was evident that small businesses participated in the exposition, looking for the opportunity to expand their brands and gain customer support.

Enthusiastic customers, in response, flocked the booths of those businesses, eager to support what was being offered. They were in for a treat as a wide range of unique services and products were on display, ranging from edibles, fashion, craft, furniture and cosmetics.

These were additionally being sold to the customers at low prices that would fit the budget of anyone present at

the expo.

When Guyana Times caught up with some of the small business owners on Friday, they all expressed optimism about the impact of the expo on the growth of their enterprises.

One of the exhibitors, Zailoon Barrow, who along with her husband are the owners of “Dis is de Place” – a jewellery haven that specialises in using recycled object to produce creative pieces – explained how the expo thus far has impacted her business.

The booth displayed a selection of items which were created by individuals, who then submitted their pieces to be exhibited. Barrow said that they came up with the idea as part of their gesture of giving persons a chance to have their creative pieces recognised on a larger scale.

Pointing out one of the necklaces on exhibition, she explained that it was made solely from paper which had been disposed of by one of her clients who used it to create a “masterpiece”. Commenting on the customer based response, Barrow said that thus far it has been overwhelming since many persons are drawn to the originality of the pieces being showcased.

“People are interested in local and we want people to know that local is good, we can go a long way by

promoting our local stuff”.

Meanwhile, one of the representatives from “Guyanese Women Mean Business”, Kamela Bradford, said that the aim of their booth is to showcase what the women of Guyana are capable of producing.

She explained that the products on display, ranging from candies and oils, were all created by women from across the 10 administrative regions, who decided to collectively display their items in one booth. Bradford noted that the products were all made locally.

Being it their first year at the expo, the woman said that they have been received with enthusiasm but they are anticipating a greater customer turnout in the remaining days.

Another of the exhibitors from “Naked skin soaps” which produces soaps form local products including ginger and coffee said that the response for the past two nights had been admirable.

“We make local, natural soaps with natural coconut oil and then infuse it with different plants, herbs and spices that have great benefit for your skin.”

She added that since the opening night of the expo, customers have been enquiring about their products via telephone, which she is optimistic will boost the company 100 per cent. She is also hoping that this will strengthen the business’s link with other companies.

With a farmland that produces local fruits, nuts and provisions in Guyana, the “Gobin’s farm and kitchen” is one of the businesses that saw a high customer turnout thus far at the expo, as most are eager to have a taste of ‘real Guyanese produce.’

Visiting this booth, there was an expansive variety of fruits that have been dried and packaged, ready to be consumed as a take away snack.

One of the representatives from the business explained that the fruits have been processed and dried at their production site in Parika, East Bank Essequibo. He explained that these are perfect for persons who are trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle and are trying to reduce their cholesterol levels.

All the owners who spoke with this publication gave the ‘thumbs up’ to Government for initiating the expo with the spotlight on promoting business in Guyana.

Meanwhile, patrons at the expo expressed their contentment with the products and services that are being offered by the small businesses. They also elaborated on the prices that these items were being sold at.

Maureen Smith, an elderly woman, who was at the time viewing the craft on display told Guyana Times that she is surprised at the level of creativity of these individuals since it is not brought out in the spotlight.

“I never expected things like these; it is nice to see what people in Guyana can do. We need to expose them more.”

She added that more emphasis is being placed on these smaller businesses since their products are a display or their originality and stands as a display of what Guyanese are capable of creating.

Though a lower turnout on the second night than the previous years, business seemed to be ‘booming’ at the GuyExpo 2016, and there is anticipation of a greater impact not only on the expansion of both large and small businesses, but also an evident boost in Guyana’s tourism sector.

Both avenues had been anticipated by the Government when the event was launched in March of this year, with the spotlight on “50 years: Guyana Means Business. Promoting Enterprise, Driving Productivity.”