‘‘WE LIFT 4’’ initiative gets $9M in corporate support

…250 women-led businesses to be showcased this weekend

As the ‘WE LIFT’ initiative embarks on its 4th year journey, several major corporations including Nation’s Incorporated, ExxonMobil, Demerara Bank, ENET, IDB, Banks DIH, and GTT have generously sponsored substantial amounts to support its upcoming women’s expo 4 this weekend.
Together, they have contributed some $9 million towards the initiative, which is being facilitated through the Human Services and Social Security Ministry with an aim to provide women in business with training and opportunities.

During a ‘WE LIFT 4’ press conference on Tuesday, Co-Founder of Nations Incorporated Pam O’Toole emphasised the importance of such events, set to showcase the talents of 250 women entrepreneurs. “This initiative is opened for all persons to come and purchase from local business women, it will grant women the opportunity for a lot of customers and it will give their businesses publicity,” she stated whilst then adding that the ministry is providing women to exhibit free of charge at a venue.

As she lent her perspective to the grand sponsorship made from her organization, she stated that the initiative shares the same vision that organization had last year. “The sponsorship this year is another $5 million, same as last year and this allows women entrepreneurs, perhaps the first chance that they’ve ever had to exhibit their products to a wider audience. And I understand the returns are very, very good for these women,” she stated. It was also highlighted that with the 250 business that are set to be revealed, 250 booths will be given to business women aiding them to place their goods and products on which was also provided by the ministry.

Meanwhile, Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud unveiled that the initiative this year will bring a new goal for the women who are involved. She expressed that the goal of this year’s We Lift initiative is to inspire women not to limit themselves. Also, in keeping with the program’s vision, Persaud expressed that they are not solely aiding women to create businesses but to also aid them to properly package their businesses in the right way which is appealing to not only a local audience but an international audience as well.
“Part of the goal is for women to come together in this unified way, creating a movement of women entrepreneurs and telling them not to limit themselves. We don’t want women to just make a business but we want them to properly package and market their business in a way which is appealing to not only Guyana but the world at large,” she stated.
Further, she also revealed that the ‘WE LIFT’ program has been implemented in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), marking a significant milestone for the ministry.
The ‘WE LIFT 4’ event is set to take place on April 20 and 21 at the National Aquatic Centre from 14:00h to 20:00h on both days. The event will feature 250 businesses owned by women and it promises to be the ultimate destination for women-owned businesses and supporters of women’s economic empowerment. ‘WE LIFT 4’ showcases the resilience, creativity, and innovation of female entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. (G2)