ON Wednesday, 85 women, including those who participated in the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, survivors of gender based-violence, and persons assisted by the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit were supported with business grants to aid in the launch/ expansion of their businesses.

Each of these women would have received a $300,000 grant totalling approximately $25 million.

This distribution was made possible through collaboration efforts between the Government of Canada, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The distribution was held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) on the East Coast of Demerara.

Some of the participants shared their thoughts on the initiative that aims to advance independence, resilience, and the economic opportunity for women across Guyana.

Mary Kandhai a survivor of domestic violence said she intends to use her grant to develop her real estate business- Fresh Start Villa- where she will rent apartments to other survivors who are looking for a fresh start.

“Being a survivor of domestic violence, it was really hard to get a place to rent. So, I have my own land through the Ministry of Housing, so I’ll be taking my downstairs, and transforming it into two apartments where I will rent to survivors of domestic violence,” she said.

Noting that she is happy for this grant, Kandhai said the funding received will do a lot, and will give her a boost to do what she needs to.

Another beneficiary, Faith Henry, related that receiving this grant means a lot to her. She stated that while she doesn’t have a place of her own, she’s hoping that with the grant she can open her own boutique.

According to a press release issued by the ministry on Wednesday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, described the initiative as a transformational milestone, and one that builds on months of intensive training under WIIN.

The minister was quoted saying that they have engaged participants so that they can see how their skills can lead them to financial independence and stability; and they will understand what it means to put money into their business, and to constantly re-invest in it.

Dr Persaud also underscored the importance of accountability and sustainability as they take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Country Representative of the IDB in Guyana, Lorena Salazar, was also present at the distribution ceremony and encouraged beneficiaries to continue to strive for success, noting that the grant has the potential to significantly impact their lives, as well as the well-being of their families.

Salazar highlighted that with business, the beneficiaries are in a good position to help improve the condition of their families, or even the entire ecosystem of their family. This she said includes better health and education.