ALL is set for the opening of the Small Business Expo today which will feature the products of close to 300 exhibitors from across the country.The exhibition, a smaller version of GuyExpo, is being held at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, Sophia.

GuyExpo has been shifted to next year, and will be part of activities to celebrate Guyana’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Yesterday, workmen were busy applying the finishing touches on some of the tents that will house the exhibitors, while some of the exhibitors were setting in place logos and billboards of their businesses and products in their tents.
On a visit to the centre, the Guyana Chronicle observed that the lawns were trimmed flat, the compound was cleaned and the Golden Arrowhead lining the approaches to where the expo will be held.
The area housing the tents and booths has been transformed into a beautiful sight, while the main entrance to the complex is attractively decorated.
The three-day event aims to promote and catalyse the development of Small and Medium-Sized businesses (SMEs).
SMEs contribute significantly to economic growth and serve as agents of change, innovation and pioneers for creating new technologies.
SMEs in Guyana are estimated to account for 40 per cent of total employment and also contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
But though a significant contributor to economic development, the development of SMEs in Guyana has been faced with several challenges.

Among the challenges are: limited access to finance,the high cost of borrowing, and inadequate advisory services as well as inadequate business training and management skills.
A number of small businesses will participate in today’s expo. These include the Guyana Agro-processors Association, Guyana Aquaculture Association, Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association, Guyana Beekeepers Association,the New Guyana Marketing Corporation suppliers as well as fashion designers, tourism operators and the small-grant recipients.
While regional and international businesses will participate in the exposition, they will not exhibit but rather operate as buyers and investors.
CCTV cameras have been installed at the exhibition complex to ensure maximum security.
The Small Business Expo 2015 is being sponsored by Republic Bank, Digicel Guyana, Toolsie Persaud Limited, BK International Inc, Pomeroon Oil Mill and Trinidad Cement Limited.