THE Small Business Bureau (SBB) on Thursday distributed 143 grants to small business owners in Region Three, at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara. Thus far, nearly 1,500 small business grants have been distributed countrywide.

Not only is this initiative a significant milestone for the recipients, but it serves as a testament to the incredible achievements of the government through the SBB.

The bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Ibrahim, re-emphasised that the government through the SBB has committed unwaveringly to fostering the growth and sustainability of Guyana’s small business owners.

Ibrahim remarked that Thursday’s distribution is a tangible representation of the SBB’s dedication to creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Each grant recipient here today is a success story… A testament to the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the resilience, creativity, and determination that define our small business community. Together, we will build a future where every small business has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the prosperity of our region and country,” the CEO stated.

He expressed: “Our goal is to create positive, measurable impacts by providing expert guidance, effectively channeling resources, fostering comprehensive networking, and ensuring a supportive environment for maximized performance.”

Additionally, he said their commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, alleviating poverty, and increasing standards of living of all Guyanese, is strongly embedded in the diverse range of services offered by the bureau.

These services include a wide range of training programmes covering topics in financial management and record keeping, small business management, business plan writing, digitizing your business through programmes like WhatsApp for business, and SBB marketplace where products are marketed for free.
The bureau mainly targets persons seeking to start-up or expand a small business, children and youth interested in developing and starting a small business and those persons seeking to start or expand environmentally sustainable, innovative businesses.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries Donna Poliah told this publication that she is thankful for the grant which she will use to develop her aquaculture business.

Ingrid Cozier of Ingrid’s Indigenous Flavour also shared her thoughts. She noted that the grant will aid in boosting her business a bit more. The entrepreneur stated that she is planning on purchasing more equipment for her business so that she can produce more products in Region Three.

Poultry farmer Junior Garnett stated that this grant will enable him to expand his business. He urged other business owners to get on board with the SBB so that they can benefit from the various services and grow their businesses as well.