ODESSA Evans, who is operating a poultry business from her home, recently said a loan from the Small Business Bureau (SBA) changed the course of her life. The loan, made available for persons living with disabilities (PWDs), offers up to GYD $500,000 with no interest and no collateral. For Odessa, that support opened the door to growth, confidence, and a better future.
Odessa learned about the loan while attending computer classes at the Learning Lab in Mahaica, which is run through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
At that time, she was operating a small poultry business with just 30 chickens in a ready-made pen. She raised the birds for six to seven weeks before selling them for meat or as live birds.
Money was always tight, and keeping the business going was hard.
“Sometimes I would have to borrow money from my mother to help repurchase baby chicks and feed,” she recalled.
The loan gave Odessa the chance to expand her business in a real way. She increased her stock to about 200 chickens and bought enough feed and equipment to keep the operation running well. Her family also helps with the work, especially when it comes to killing and plucking the birds for sale.
Looking ahead, Odessa wants to add layers, ducks, sheep, and goats to her farm. She also hopes to get a piece of land so she can build out her animal-rearing business properly.
Odessa said small business ownership is especially important for persons living with disabilities because job opportunities are often limited. She believes business gives her a path to financial independence and personal dignity.
“I have to do it for my future, to believe in your dreams and develop the mindset that you can do anything.” That simple message reflects the strength behind her journey and the determination that keeps her moving forward.
She says she is grateful to the Minister of Human Services and Social Security for encouraging her to apply and to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for helping make the loan possible.
Odessa also encouraged other persons with disabilities to apply for support and take advantage of the same opportunity. Her story is a reminder that with the right help, small beginnings can grow into something much bigger.
The small Business Bureau loan is part of a government programme that helps PWDs and small business owners. The programme gives people the money and training they need to start or grow their businesses, ultimately contributing to economic development.
