BUSINESSES from more than seven countries are scheduled to participate in Guyana’s inaugural Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Investment Conference, which has been set for July 14-16 at the Police Training Centre.

The event is being held by the Together We Win Business Network (TWWBN), which is headed by Founder and President Marlon Joseph. The conference seeks to promote an atmosphere that encourages SMEs to explore partnership opportunities, benefit from developmental activities and resources locally, regionally and internationally, as well as promote trade and investment opportunities in Guyana for SMEs; provide an accessible platform whereby SMEs can access investments/funding without fear; highlight weaknesses and challenges SMEs face in accessing finance and investments, and to explore possible solutions to the issues.

“We recognise a need for a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Guyana that provides for the needs of Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) and highlights these businesses to encourage diversity and promotion of Guyana’s trade and investment opportunities,” Joseph said in a statement.
“The active participation of SMEs in the dynamic Guyanese economy is crucial for equitable and sustainable growth. We believe this is the opportune time for stakeholders in this ecosystem to create an environment for SMEs to be innovative, grow and access resources for their business success.”

A number of notable business professionals are scheduled to speak at the conference, among them President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kester Hutson; Chairman of Action Invest Caribbean Inc Dr. Vishnu Doerga; Director of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce Kevin Ramgoolie; Trinidadian High Commissioner to Guyana Conrad Enill; British High Commissioner Jane Miller; and Economic/Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy Guyana Thomas Seeger.
On the opening day of the conference, TWWBN is scheduled to sign a partnership agreement with US business networking company, OneShot International. This partnership is hoped to focus on accelerating digital entrepreneurship in Guyana, while supporting the export of digital products and services towards developed countries like the USA. The CEO of OneShot International Renato Archer will also be at the conference.