THE two-day showcase, running from September 20–21 at the Demerara Cricket Club in Georgetown, features more than 50 women-led businesses.
As sectors grow and industries become more diverse, Guyana—like much of the world—continues to see more women venture into business. In Guyana, the push for women in business has been strengthened by government initiatives and support from both the private and public sectors. But there is also a group of women who are taking the mantle themselves, with the launch of Her Market Enterprise.

A long-held vision by tourism professional and entrepreneur Hazel Jackman, Her Market Enterprise is now launching the Celebrating Women in Business Expo 2025. Working in collaboration with Charmaine Coppin, the duo aims to create a safe space where women-owned businesses can find a platform, opportunities, and a community of like-minded women striving to make their mark in the business world.

In an interview with Pepperpot Magazine this week, Jackman explained that Her Market Enterprise is simply a collective of women entrepreneurs focused on shared development. The non-profit venture, she said, aims to provide a platform mainly for newcomers.

“Her Market Enterprise actually is a group of like-minded women who’ve decided to come together and just help other women, specifically younger women who are entrepreneurs. Some of them have never participated in such an event, and so it is just to help them to showcase their products, make a little money, and develop themselves and their businesses.”
Her Market began as an idea Jackman had more than a decade ago. As she recalled, the vision was sparked when she observed the challenges women faced while vending in Georgetown. This gave birth to a small pop-up shop at her home, which has now evolved into what could become one of Guyana’s largest expos of its kind.

“This was my vision for years, and this is something that I saw 11 years ago when some women were struggling for space on Regent Street to sell at Christmas. That made me say these people don’t have storefronts or anything like that. And that is how I started, from under my house, to do little pop-up shops and so on,” she stated.
Although Her Market has participated in similar ventures before, Jackman says this year’s expo is by far the biggest and most anticipated. “But it’s only now that it will be so big,” she said, adding that more than 50 women-led businesses have already signed on. With the event set for September 20–21, Jackman noted that the number is still growing. “We have in excess of 50 businesses registered, but I think more people will sign up,” she said.

Jackman, who also runs a business in the tourism sector, believes ventures like these are not only important but essential for the success of small, women-owned enterprises. The goal of this expo, she emphasised, is to provide newcomers with an opportunity.

“I think ventures like this are important and significant because it helps us to put ourselves out there. One of the things I’ve observed is that you keep seeing the same persons over and over, so we wanted to give some new people the opportunity.”

Looking beyond the expo, Jackman highlighted that women in business form a vital sector. For many women and mothers, it is their main source of income, while for others, ventures like these are steps towards independence.

“Ventures like this are also important for self-development. It helps people to be independent. Some women are doing it as a side hustle. They have their regular jobs, whether in the public or private sector, but eventually some of them branch off and become very successful entrepreneurs and business people,” she said.
While there has been growing support for women in business, Jackman noted that local exposure still remains limited. The expo, she explained, is meant to change that by not only giving women the chance to showcase but also encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and engage directly with consumers.

“Some persons are shy, some persons don’t know how to go about advertising themselves and their products. So that can be a disadvantage for them. But as long as you hear about events like these, it’s always advisable that they explore and try to be a part,” she said.

In a country where many businesses thrive on word of mouth, Jackman stressed that local support is vital.
“I have found in doing this that lots of people find out about businesses because a friend tells a friend. Somebody would call and say, ‘Hey, I would like to be a part.’ So putting yourself out there is important,” she added.

With the event just days away, preparations are in full swing to ensure a productive experience for participants and an exciting showcase for visitors. Speaking on what attendees can expect, Jackman said:

“Guyanese can expect to see new people, some they may not have seen before, and the unique products they would have to offer. Although it may be something in the line of fashion or jewellery or whatever, look for the differences. That’s what I usually look for—something different.”

And the event promises to be different, with women and businesses from all across Guyana bringing fresh ideas and new products. The expo, slated to be held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), 21 Lance Gibbs Street, Georgetown, will offer more than a walkthrough of business. Jackman says the event will also include some entertainment and good conversation to enhance the ambience.

As the date of the expo gets closer, Jackman is encouraging the public to nominate more women-owned businesses that deserve a bit of spotlight.