ON April 30 and May 1, 2022, over 65 businesses will be on display at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when UncappeD Marketplace makes a return after a two-year hiatus.
The event which seeks to promote local agro-processed products is expected to have other kinds of businesses in attendance.
During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Executive Director of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Nizam Hassan, disclosed that, while the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in agro-processing are the primary targets, other kinds of businesses can also take part in the activity.
“Mostly it will be the small and micro entrepreneurs but, outside of agro-processors, we also have in our membership, others that do craft, any sort of craft,” Hassan said.
He added that the GMSA’s primary focus is to unlock the flavors of the various manufacturers of agro-based products. He said the public can expect a wide range of products made from local ingredients.
“They can expect lots of products ranging from liquid to powder to dried products and more. Products made with local ingredients, wine, products that can be used in the kitchen,” he said.
Additionally, he said, the event is going to be blended with family activities.
“We are going to blend the event with a lot of cooked food as well as some fun for children – entertainment, trampolines, games, rides and so on. The event itself is going to be something that is safe for families to visit to learn about products that are made in Guyana,” Hassan shared.
There will also be several companies exhibiting products that can be used by manufacturers such as bottles, labels and caps.
“I have an idea but I don’t know where to get bottles. I don’t know where to get the financing. There will be agencies like Republic Bank [and] IPED there. GTT is also a major sponsor, and it is going to be promoting MMG [Mobile Money Guyana],” Hassan said, while explaining that there may be a person with a business idea who is unaware of how to go about it or he/she may not have the resources or the finance to start up the business.
He also said that persons will be encouraged to sign up for MMG, as they can purchase products at this event at a reduced price, once both the seller and buyer have MMG accounts.
Hassan said that once a business is part of the membership of GMSA, and is involved in agro-processing, participation will be free.
Entrance to the event is also free.
The GMSA is encouraging families to come out as there is going to be a lot of interaction.
Hassan shared that GMSA intends to extend the event regionally and, once the business is a part of the GMSA, it will not have to pay for every event as this is a membership benefit.