By Feona Morrison

THE United States (US) acknowledges the significant worth and potential of businesses owned by women and has implemented multiple initiatives and policies to foster their growth and success.

Through grants and loans specifically aimed at women entrepreneurs, as well as mentorship programmes and networking opportunities, the United States has demonstrated its dedication to creating equal opportunities and providing necessary support for women-owned businesses to succeed.

Five women, including two migrants from Venezuela, who have taken part in various entrepreneurship programmes financed by the US government, expressed happiness during their recent meeting with two senior ambassadors from that North American nation.

On Sunday, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, and US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Shaunda Yarde, the proprietress of Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits; Lorexi Wells, a Venezuelan immigrant who owns Creative Cakes; Shanique Grant of D&S Flavours, a family-owned business; Jacqueline Success of Jacqueline Catering Services and Seasonings; and Valenzuela Herrera Yurimar, a Venezuelan craftswoman living in Guyana.

The enterprising businesswomen had the chance to introduce themselves and their businesses to the ambassadors during a meet and greet at the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) headquarters on New Market Street in Georgetown.

Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits specialises in the production and distribution of coconut biscuits made solely from natural ingredients. The recipe for this delightful treat was passed down to Yarde from her late grandmother.

At Creative Cakes, a home-based bakery, clients are presented with an extensive range of cake choices. At D&S Flavours, you can find homemade mango and lime achar along with pepper sauce.
Within their own kitchen, Jacqueline Catering Services and Seasonings creates an assortment of Guyanese cuisines such as garlic sauce, jerk seasoning, and bar-be-que sauce. In contrast, Yurimar is known for her ability to create truly unique items and has devoted much of her life to the art of crafting.

The women are involved in the initiatives by the PADF, the Economic Development Accelerator (EDA), the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), and the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the resources, connections, and training they need to start and grow profitable businesses. In order to help the people of Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States reach their full economic potential, YLAI provides support to up-and-coming commercial and social entrepreneurs.

The establishment of the EDA programme aims to support economically viable agro-processors in preparing for the export market. Meanwhile, PADF focuses on addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

During her interactions with the entrepreneurs, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield complimented each of them on their entrepreneurial path and expressed her honour to celebrate them.
She wished them well in growing their businesses.

According to interviews conducted by the Guyana Chronicle, the participants indicated that acquiring diverse skills from the various programmes has facilitated the progression of their enterprises.