TWENTY owners of various types of businesses in Region Two have been selected to participate in a three-month United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) pilot project, during which they will receive technical assistance to help grow their respective businesses.

The project titled, ‘In Motion’, was launched last Friday at the Regional State House.

Director of Business in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, John Edghill, in his remarks, said that the ministry is happy to join with UNDP to launch the pilot project in Region Two.

Edghill said during the initial discussions the main task was to select a region to commence the programme and it was later decided that Region Two was the best fit. Subsequently, 20 persons were selected to participate.

“All of you here in this room are small businesses who want to strive in your local economy, businesses that want to make an impact in the local communities and who want to have a development for yourselves and your families. We are very glad you were able to take this step of commitment,” Edghill said.

The Director of business said that the project will have two consultants who will return to engage the business owners.

He emphasised that the participants’ involvement is crucial for the success of the project.

According to Edghill, it will set the stage for the roll out of a similar project in other regions.

“One of the main components of the project is personalised technical assistance. You must…put in the work. We expect to see more dynamic businesses at the end of the three months. At the end of the three months, we expect to see growth in your business and hear good testimonials,” Edghill said.

Meanwhile, UNDP representative, Luis Blazquez gave an overview of the project during the launch.

He explained that the project is an international methodology that aims to improve business models for micro and small businesses. He said that this is done by providing comprehensive business assistance which helps to strength their productive capacity and marketing position.

Blazquez said that the In Motion programme has already been implemented in Mexico, Ecuador, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Albania and have targeted more than 10,000 micro and small businesses. Guyana is the latest beneficiary.

He said that no finance is given to the business owners, who are able to benefit directly from training, marketing opportunities and the enhanced image of their business.

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Guyana Country Office, Stephanie Ziebell, who was also present, said that businesses will be involved in updating the business model, commercial image (designer), order and quality, accounting and financing training, sales and marketing, and basic management skills done. These will be spearheaded by the UNDP consultants.

Ziebell said that the UNDP is looking forward to working with the business owner on the project.

Region Two’s Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack said that the project is a good initiative for the region. She said that the initiative will give businesses an opportunity to grow and prosper.

One of the beneficiaries, Arshad Ali from AA 24 Hours Pharmacy located at Anna Regina, said that he was happy that his business was selected for the project.

He said that he is looking forward to the various engagements.

Azad Mohamed, owner of Magic Smile, also gave similar comments.

The two consultants selected for the project are Odel Bascom and Corrine Aaron.