TWELVE unique small businesses owned by Guyanese women will participate in the ‘Pop Up Shop’ that is being hosted by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts this weekend.

Many of the business owners have just returned from the Florida International Culture Trade and Expo, and are now bursting with new ideas and new products that they would like to offer at the mini fair.

The event is billed for the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. Fashion icon Sonia Noel told the Buzz on Thursday that she is grateful to the management of the said hotel for allowing them to put on the ‘expo’ at that venue for free.

The event will run from 09:00 to 21:00hrs, and will allow for persons to register for the 2020 Women in Business Expo. Patrons will also be able to enjoy a 5 to 25 per cent discount on products and services.

Since the month of October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, part of the proceeds from sales will go to the Giving Hope Foundation, Noel said.

The expo, providing an opportunity for small businesses to be supported, is aimed at promoting women primarily. “You can get outfits for the holiday season; sample various types of cakes that you can order, massages, super affordable make up products, etc,” Noel pointed out.

There will also be a book signing on Saturday with Noel, Ediclia Bastardo and Dr. Latoya Gooding. “Meet these two phenomenal women at the book signing tomorrow at the Pop Up Shop at the Pegasus and get some insight on why you should write your story because someone is waiting to read,” Noel said.

Meanwhile, the Women in Business ‘expo’, which is expected to be launched early next year, is also the brainchild of Noel, who said there are no words to describe her feelings as she continues to witness the positive effects that the expo has been having on women from all across Guyana.

Included in the midst of the over 50 women who have been participating each year are those who are the sole breadwinners of their families; youths; single parents; and even housewives who carry on small businesses to support their families.

About five years ago, Noel realised that there were many business owners who simply did not have the capital for advertising. “So I thought of creating the platform to give them a jumpstart, and from Year One to Four, the testimony is amazing. We’ve really been achieving our objectives,” Noel recalled in an interview with this publication.

“I feel so blessed to be part of these lives. I don’t have enough words to describe the feeling that comes from being a part of something so inspiring, and knowing that I am helping to add value to lives. This is not about me, but I believe I am being used as a vessel by God to help these individuals,” she said.