Tourism Minister calls for sustainable growth, inclusivity in small business development

Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues has called for sustainable growth and inclusiveness in small business development, stressing that entrepreneurship must prioritise sustainability while creating equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
The Minister made the call during the disbursement of loans under the $36 million revolving fund, underscoring the importance of guaranteeing continued support to ensure small businesses remain viable.
“Each of you [small businesses] has demonstrated that physical challenges do not limit your productivity or ambition. Instead, you have seized this opportunity and embraced your potential. I assure you that the Small Business Bureau will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure your ventures are sustainable,” Rodrigues said.
She further emphasised the importance of long-term growth, noting that follow-up is key to ensuring that businesses are not only established but also positioned for expansion.
“One of my priority areas as Minister is to ensure continuous follow-up with recipients of grants and loans. We must map your progress and provide the additional support needed along the way so that these businesses are not only established but also positioned for growth,” she explained.
Rodrigues also commended the Small Business Bureau for its role in driving entrepreneurship across Guyana, noting that more than 10,000 entrepreneurs have been trained in critical areas.
“I must also commend the Small Business Bureau for their outstanding work in driving entrepreneurship across Guyana. The Bureau has trained over 10,000 entrepreneurs in areas such as business plan writing, small business management, financial management, marketing, packaging, customer service, and even practical skills such as hollow block making. These trainings improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness among our small businesses,” she stated.
The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the diversity of both the sectors and the regions represented among the latest recipients.
“I am particularly pleased with the diversity of both the sectors and the regions represented among today’s recipients, whether it is a cell phone and accessories business in Region One, catering in Region Four, landscaping in Region Three, or retail in Region Two.” Rodrigues added.
She noted that the Bureau continues to operate business incubator centres in Lethem and Berbice, providing farmers and agro-processors with affordable access to shared production facilities, office spaces, and marketing opportunities. According to her, the revolving fund for persons living with disabilities is an extension of that important work, broadening access to entrepreneurship and opportunity.
Amidst this, she reminded beneficiaries that repayment remains a key condition of the initiative.
“Through this fund, we are dismantling barriers and reaffirming that diversity is a strength that enriches our society. However, it is important to emphasise that as a revolving fund, repayment is expected. The fund provides loans of up to $500,000 with zero collateral, zero-interest, and a repayment period of up to four years,” the Minister said.
It was recorded in January of 2025 that the Small Business Bureau (SBB) had made a monumental impact on small businesses in the country, disbursing nearly $1 billion in grants since 2020 to date.
The grants were allotted to entrepreneurs from the 10 Administrative Regions, with the aim of fostering growth and sustainability within the small business community.