MINISTER of Business, Hemraj Rajkumar, on Wednesday, commissioned a business incubator, the first in Berbice, at the Belvedere Industrial site, East Berbice, Corentyne on Wednesday.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the minister stated the idea was initiated by the coalition government to assist in the development of micro and small enterprises.
Rajkumar said the government recognised some of the challenges facing young entrepreneurs and their startups and has looked at how best the government could assist them. He explained that most of the business owners were not really looking for a handout but rather a helping hand to guide them to make their business successful.

“We believe that once a business has been selected to be part of the incubator programme, through an open application process, that the environment created at this centre will lend itself to the creation of a viable business that is able to stand on its own, be competitive, and of course, be successful. The Belvedere Business Incubator Centre will help to nurture and startup businesses by providing access to training, coaching and mentoring and providing equipment, among others.”

He noted that the goal is to have small business produce high quality products and services that can be marketed locally and exported by meeting international standards.

Minister Rajkumar, however, stressed that the incubator would not be a permanent fixture for any business but rather for a short period of time so that the businesses can stand on their own.

“Ultimately, we want our small business to be in a position where they can produce high quality of goods that can be found in supermarkets across Guyana and can be exported because of high international standard that they meet.”

He reminded the audience that the investment is one of many examples of the government investing in local communities to stimulate enterprise and economic activity by enhancing the demand for locally-produced goods and services. He further noted that the investment was a costly one and belongs to all Guyanese and they must make maximum use of the facility. Small Business Bureau, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lowell Porter explained that the idea was to have everything under one roof where clients and residents can benefit alike.
He stated that the facility boasts six pods for temporary use and startup of businesses from scratch while the rest of the building will be used for training and business services. The commissioning, he noted, speaks to progress in the right
direction.

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President, Mohammed Raffik, said the centre in Berbice is an excellent idea as it will promote and encourage entrepreneurship. He posited that for small businesses, there is tremendous potential that lies ahead.

“Small businesses can accelerate the business of the village and town’s economy and ultimately employ persons. If you are starting a small business – stick with it. Stick to your plans, put time to it and work it, take advantage of the use of technology in small business and make the use of social media for advertising,” he urged.

One of the beneficiaries, Ishabeth Sinclair, owner and sales director of M & I Business Enterprise, said because of the opportunities presented by the Small Business Bureau, she was able to grow her business.

This, she explained, was made possible through training, guidance, mentoring and recommendations as well as being the recipient of equipment and two loans at minimal interest rates from the SBB. These helped her to become the successful business woman she is today.