SOME 25 women in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region have received training to grow their businesses through We Lead Caribbean on Saturday.

The Leadership and Business conference which was hosted by Abbigale Lonke at the Anna Regina Town Council was held under the theme “PowHerful”.

According to Lonke, the forum sought to reach out to women in the manufacturing industry and to offer them knowledge in the field of marketing, idea generation and commercialisation.

She explained to the media that often times women have business ideas but do not know how to market/sell their products. It is, therefore, the intention of We Lead Caribbean to assist businesses in Region Two to market the businesses as well as to apply for loans.
“We would like to help businesses by giving them technical advice, mentoring and also assisting them to apply for grants but we can only do so if the standards are upgraded,” Lonke said.

In an effort to de-centralise the services, We Lead Caribbean will be setting up an office at Reliance on the Essequibo Coast. The office will assist persons to register their business, help in drafting business plans and offer technical assistance and other marketing opportunities.

Lonke also mentioned that We Lead Caribbean will be launching their Facebook page which will consist of a directory of all businesses in Guyana. The page will provide essential information’s on local products and the suppliers.

“WE- Lead is not just for professional women, we exist for anyone with an interest in business, start-ups and providing women with a platform for growth,” Lonke added.
During the conference, entrepreneurs expressed concerns over finances. Many of the businesswomen said they have ideas and products but expanding is challenging. They want the process of applying for a loan at the Small Business Bureau to become simpler.

“I have the products… I do virgin coconut oil and organic honey marketing is a huge issue and also accessing loans and finances to expand my business,” Stephany, one of the participants said.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, President of the Essequibo of Chambers of Commerce, Suean Sewnaryan said it is important for women to be empowered and to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to be recognised in the business sector. She urged the conference participants to make the most of the opportunity and to use it as a form of networking.

Other speakers at the conference included Marketing Specialist Jennifer Cipriani, Entrepreneur Debbi Houston and Investment Management Officer Mark Christopher Peters. The conference was the first hosted by “We Lead Caribbean” this year. The second conference is scheduled for Bartica next week.