–among over 350 women

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute has launched its first Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) business workshop at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

The workshop which will end on Thursday, focuses on enhancing the skills of potential and existing entrepreneurs. Facilitators will teach them how to write a business plan, network and access financing.
The workshop caters to 2021 WIIN graduates, women entrepreneurs, and women-owned businesses and startups.

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Human Service and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, encouraged those present to utilise the practical aspects of the workshop and absorb information on the requirements to start and sustain a business.

Speaking to participants, Minister Persaud said: “This is where it gets very exciting, because it is important to look outside of the norms to find your niche in your community and in the wider country. Look for creative ways that your business could provide solutions and services.”

The idea of the WIIN business workshops is for women to create their own livelihood and their own opportunities rather to seek employment in their pursuit of being financially independent.
When asked by Minister Persaud if financial stability and independence is what they wanted, the room responded with a unanimous “yes!”

Minister Persaud further said: “Once a woman in a home is financially independent, once she is empowered, that home becomes more stable because she is able to provide for her family, she is able to look after herself and she is able to fully understand her inherent potential.”

Minister Persaud emphasised that the activity is by no means just a “talk shop”. The ministry has partnered with several entities to provide practical guidance on how to create an effective business plan, source financing, and register their businesses.

Partners include the Small Business Bureau, Centre for Local Business Development, Guyana Tourism Authority, Nations Incorporated, Demerara Bank, Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Scotiabank Guyana and the Guyana Revenue Authority, among others.

Altogether, over 700 participants registered for the workshop. However, due to this overwhelming response, additional workshops are being scheduled to facilitate the high demand and will be announced shortly via the ministry’s social media platforms. Some of those workshops will be held in other regions based on the applications of interest.