THE Kuru Kururu Small Business Association on Saturday hosted a business expo at the Kuru Kururu Extension Centre with the aim of promoting local youth businesses.
According to Region Four Chairperson Genevieve Allen, the exhibition augurs well for the economic and social development of the community, as it provides a platform for youths to showcase what they can do and play a part in shaping their future.

Head of Action Coach Vishnu Doerga, in speaking to the young exhibitors, reminded them that though they have a platform to market themselves and their products they should be wary of the markets that exist.
Particularly important, he said, they must be cognisant of the demand and their ability to supply.

This mindset is also instrumental as local youths prepare to supply the markets that will be created in the wake of Guyana becoming an oil-producing nation.
While many persons are preparing to tap into the markets that will come with oil, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau, Dr. Lowell Porter thinks more must be done.

“Guyana I believe is really poised; it’s a great opportunity,” Porter said, while adding that Guyana is becoming a magnet.
But for him, developing local capacity is a must.
“Everything might not be fine for you, just because there is oil out there doesn’t mean it will benefit you,” he said.

To develop local capacity, he stressed that value-added products must become the standard. For far too long, citizens have been dependent upon producing only raw materials.

For Kuru Kururu residents, value-added products have already been an avenue it has been exploring, much of it by the Kuru Kururu Farmers, Crops and Livestock Association.
They are producers of jellies, including ginger jellies which uses ginger planted from the Northwest District.