— Forum to focus on financing, diversification, and export readiness

AS Guyana continues to experience rapid economic expansion, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is strengthening its push to position micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to fully capitalise on the nation’s evolving opportunities.
The chamber will host its flagship Business Development Forum (BDF) from November 13–14, 2025, at the Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre, under the theme, “Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future.”
The two-day event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and development partners for discussions focused on finance, sustainability, diversification, local market penetration, and export readiness.
Participants will also benefit from expert presentations, networking sessions, and practical guidance designed to help MSMEs build resilience and tap into growth sectors beyond oil and gas.
GCCI President Kathy Smith said the forum forms part of the chamber’s ongoing commitment to help local businesses transition from survival to sustainable growth.
“The Business Development Forum is about preparation,” Smith stated. “With the government’s focus on diversifying the economy, investment into infrastructure, as well as the thriving energy sector; this is the time for businesses to position themselves, understand where the opportunities lie, and plan how to invest wisely.”
Support desks will also be available during the event to provide one-on-one consultations on financing, business development, and market compliance, a feature Smith said is intended to make the forum more results-driven and actionable.
“Too often, small businesses attend events but leave without next steps. This forum will be different,” she explained. “We’re curating sessions that point directly to funding sources, business tools, and export pathways that MSMEs can act on.”
According to Smith, the initiative forms part of the GCCI’s broader mission to strengthen private-sector capacity and ensure that local enterprises are ready to compete regionally and globally.
“Our MSMEs are the heart of Guyana’s private sector — they employ people, drive innovation, and sustain communities,” she said. “As the economy continues to grow, the GCCI is focused on ensuring that these businesses are not just spectators, but active participants in Guyana’s success story.”
The Business Development Forum 2025 is expected to attract participants from across Guyana’s business landscape and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration among enterprises preparing for the opportunities of 2026 and beyond.