— Minister Mustapha champions women entrepreneurs at GCCI’s learning centre launch

AT Tuesday’s launch of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre at 156 Waterloo Street, Georgetown, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the vital role of women in shaping Guyana’s agricultural and business growth.

He said the initiative represents a powerful step towards empowering women and micro-entrepreneurs nationwide.

“This project is a visionary initiative by the GCCI. This stands as a beacon of opportunity for empowerment and innovation.”

He noted that the government and the private sector, including the GCCI, “have been partnering in executing a number of programmes.”

He noted that the launch coincides with the government’s plan to modernise infrastructure and expand training opportunities for farmers as we celebrate Agriculture Month 2025 under the theme, Transforming Livelihoods Through Agri-food System.

He added that the event “embodies that very transformation by empowering people—particularly women and micro-entrepreneurs—to participate meaningfully in Guyana’s growing economy.”

Minister Mustapha went on to highlight the evolution of agriculture into domains once dominated by men.

“Although agriculture is often viewed as a labour-intensive and male-dominated field, Guyanese women over the years have always been integral—from planting and harvesting in our rice fields and sugar estates to tending kitchen gardens, rearing livestock and running agro-processing ventures,” he said

He underscored that “This centre belongs to you. Use it. Grow with it. Inspire others through it. . Let us continue to build a Guyana where entrepreneurship is inclusive.”

Describing the Learning Centre as more than just a facility, Mustapha said, “This Learning Centre is more than just a physical space. It’s a space of potential, a space where ideas can become enterprises, and enterprises can become engines of sustainable growth for a nation.”

He explained its significance for women and micro-entrepreneurs, noting it “will provide micro and women entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to strive, not just in agriculture, but across retail, services and the digital economy.”

The minister also highlighted the value of public-private partnerships, recognising the GCCI and its key collaborators, including the Government of Guyana, Global Affairs Canada, World University Service of Canada and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Concluding his address, Minister Mustapha reinforced the transformative vision for women, “To our women entrepreneurs, you are the backbone of community development. You balance family, work and innovation, often with limited resources but unlimited determination.”

He added, “The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to working hand in hand with you to ensure that this learning system flourishes as a catalyst for prosperity, expanding access to resources, mentorship, and networks across every sector of our economy.

“It’s truly a pleasure being here as we witness a bold idea built on the foundation of strong desire to see micro and women-led businesses as well as farmers, thrive and develop sustainability,” said GCCI President Kathy Smith.

She described the centre as “evidence of the GCCI’s strong commitment to the development and success of Guyana’s business landscape at every level. It’s built on the spirit of collaboration and a shared desire for local businesses to flourish.”

“A year ago, the idea of this facility was working—not just a concept, but a desire to see the efforts being made to support the development of small businesses through agriculture outreaches across the country. This collaboration resulted in numerous outreaches, workshops, and agriculture symposiums that saw farmers and agro-processors benefitting from capacity-building, as well as invaluable networking and information sharing,” Smith recounted the genesis of the project.

Highlighting the inclusivity of the centre, she added, “Any woman entrepreneur or farmer can walk up the stairs and access our portfolio for services and support. And I say that again, any woman entrepreneur or farmer can walk up those stairs.”

Smith also outlined the facility’s strategic focus, adding that they will be working with businesses in a wide range of areas, including business management, marketing, financial reporting, etc.

“We want to ensure that their businesses become compliant and up to standards and for these businesses to succeed,” Smith pointed out.

She noted that discussions have already begun with the oil and gas industry to collaborate and offer more support to the businesses through strategic training.

“I’m really excited that GCCI got the opportunity to do this. This has always been in the works,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, Adam Loyer, while delivering remarks on behalf of High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin, urged users to fully utilise the centre, engage with mentors, explore new technologies and share their experiences to benefit others.

He also emphasised Canada’s pride in partnering with Guyana to build a more inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Open to women in all regions, the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre was conceptualised by the GCCI in a bid to further support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME), which make up about 75 per cent of the chamber’s membership, while supporting the enhancement and advancement of the agricultural sector.

The centre will provide small businesses with opportunities for skills development in areas such as sustainable farming practices, business management, marketing, and technology adoption.