SME growth & business development

The hosting of BizLink 2025 by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), in collaboration with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, represents a deliberate and strategic effort to strengthen the ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guyana. The one-day event, held at the GNBS Boardroom in Sophia, Georgetown, emphasises a growing recognition that sustainable economic development is inextricably linked to the vibrancy and competitiveness of the SME sector.
With over 30 SMEs participating, BizLink 2025 was structured to provide practical and actionable support in areas critical to business expansion and operational excellence. The event’s organisation around four dedicated engagement zones – Finance, Support Services, Market Access, and Product Enhancement – demonstrates a targeted approach to addressing the most pressing challenges faced by SMEs. Access to credit, technical guidance, market linkages, and product development support are among the pillars necessary for the growth of a resilient Private Sector, and BizLink 2025 provided a concentrated environment for these resources to converge.
The participation of leading financial institutions, including Demerara Bank, Republic Bank, and GBTI, alongside specialised agencies such as the Small Business Bureau; the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); and the Private Sector Commission Trade Desk, highlights the collaborative framework required for SME development. This collective engagement ensures that businesses are not only exposed to capital opportunities but are also guided on how to leverage finance effectively for sustainable growth. Further, the presence of commercial entities reflects the importance of integrating SMEs into broader supply chains and retail networks. This alignment between Private Sector stakeholders and SME actors nurtures practical pathways for market entry, partnership, and scalability.
Of particular note is the emphasis on product enhancement and competitiveness. Sessions focused on packaging, branding, and retail standards underscore the understanding that quality and market readiness are fundamental to penetrating both domestic and regional markets. With representatives from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and other international exhibitors providing regional insights, BizLink 2025 offered SMEs a glimpse into best practices beyond national borders. Such exposure is crucial in positioning Guyanese products within a regional and global context, a necessary step for the diversification and expansion of the local economy.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues engaged directly with participants, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to cultivating an enabling environment for SMEs. Government support, in tandem with strategic partnerships, is essential for addressing structural barriers that have historically limited the growth of smaller enterprises.
A dynamic SME sector contributes to broader economic stability by generating employment, development innovation, and enhancing the competitiveness of Guyana’s overall business landscape. By prioritising targeted interventions in financing, technical support, market access, and product development, GO-Invest and its partners are actively laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth model.
It is imperative, however, that the momentum generated by such events is translated into tangible, long-term outcomes. Networking and knowledge sharing, while valuable, must be complemented by consistent follow-up, monitoring, and support structures that ensure SMEs can implement lessons learnt and access available resources effectively. The success of initiatives like BizLink 2025 should be measured not only by turnout but by demonstrable improvements in SME growth trajectories, market penetration, and operational resilience.
BizLink 2025 is a strategic shift in Guyana’s approach to SME development, one that recognises the sector as a cornerstone of economic diversification and competitiveness. By bridging the gap between businesses, financial institutions, technical experts, and regional market insights, the event has set a benchmark for collaborative and results-oriented business support mechanisms. The challenge moving forward is to maintain this momentum, ensuring that the potential unlocked during such engagements translates into measurable and sustainable contributions to the nation’s economic development.