FOR Raquel Lam, the $500,000 loan she received this week represents more than start-up capital—it offers a chance to build independence after years of financial uncertainty.
A wheelchair user for nearly three years, Lam is one of ten Guyanese living with disabilities who were awarded entrepreneurship loans through a joint initiative of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Small Business Bureau (SBB). The loans, valued at $500,000 each, are interest-free, require no collateral, and are intended to help recipients launch small businesses in their communities.

“I think it’s a great initiative that the government implemented because persons living with disabilities find it very hard financially,” Lam said. She plans to open a small grocery business in Mora Creek, Bartica, explaining that the venture will allow her to earn a living while providing a needed service to residents in the area.
The loans were handed over during a ceremony at the Ministry’s Lamaha Street office, marking another phase of a programme launched in 2023 to support economic independence among persons living with disabilities. According to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, the initiative is designed to go beyond financing.
“This is a very transformational programme,” Persaud said, noting that beneficiaries typically receive business training through the ministry’s Learning Lab or the Support Services for Persons Living with Disabilities Unit before qualifying for funding. “It is not only about providing the opportunity for financing; it is a comprehensive pathway to prepare persons living with disabilities for the world of business.”
To date, 59 Guyanese have benefitted from the programme. The loans feature a relatively long repayment period, with monthly instalments designed to be manageable. Persaud said this approach reflects a broader government commitment to inclusivity and accessibility across all regions.
“This programme allows that person to find their feet and move forward in a way that provides financial stability,” she said, adding that the long-term goal includes sustainability and expansion for successful businesses.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Simon Pollard, said the initiative has grown steadily since its launch. He reported a significant increase in participation over the past two years, highlighting its potential to continue expanding if beneficiaries meet their repayment obligations.
“This is a revolving fund,” Pollard explained. “Once loans are repaid, others can benefit. That’s how we ensure the programme continues to grow and thrive.”

Mahendra Budhram, Coordinator of the Support Services for Persons with Disabilities Unit, said the entrepreneurship loans form part of a wider support framework offered by the ministry. This includes access to training, assistive devices, and public assistance, all aimed at reducing barriers faced by persons living with disabilities.
In 2023, the ministry allocated $36 million to the SBB to administer the loans, with a maximum of $500,000 available per applicant. Repayment spans approximately four to five years, with monthly instalments averaging between $11,000 and $12,000.
For beneficiaries like Lam, the programme offers a practical route to self-reliance. By pairing financial support with training and guidance, the initiative seeks to address longstanding challenges around employment and income security, while enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities.