-expo to feature up to 100 small businesses at Railway Courtyard from October 24–25

FROM helping entrepreneurs secure financing and reach new markets to introducing digital storefronts and launching new product lines, Guyana’s National Small Business Week 2026 is placing the needs and ambitions of Guyana’s small businesses at the centre of its week-long list of activities.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched the initiative on Tuesday under the theme, “Small Businesses, Big Opportunities,” bringing together entrepreneurs, private-sector representatives, and business support organisations for a series of activities aimed at strengthening micro and small businesses. The programme includes workshops on financial management, business planning, pricing, procurement, marketing and product standards and an expo at the Railway Courtyard, Georgetown, on October 24 and 25.

GCCI President Kathy Smith said National Small Business Week has been an important initiative of the Chamber since its introduction in 2022, with the programme evolving to meet the changing needs of Guyana’s entrepreneurs.

She noted that small businesses contribute significantly to the economy through employment, household support and the commerce of goods and services. Smith said that while many entrepreneurs have viable products, services, and business ideas, they often face challenges with financing, business management, pricing, standards, and access to markets. “Small businesses make a significant contribution to Guyana’s economy. They generate employment, support households, provide essential goods and services, and contribute to economic activities across our communities. As our economy continues to expand, it is important that these businesses are equipped to participate in the opportunities being created,” she said.

In an effort to fill the gap, this year’s programme is designed to connect business owners with organisations that can provide practical guidance and support. The Chamber, Smith noted, is collaborating with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Marketing Corporation, Centre for Local Business Development, Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), and the Small Business Bureau to deliver the capacity-building sessions.

“We recognise that while many entrepreneurs have good products, services, and business ideas, they often face challenges with financing, business management, pricing, standards, and access to markets. Through this year’s programme, we want to address some of these challenges by connecting entrepreneurs with institutions that can provide practical guidance and support,” she said.

Smith was keen to note that the expo is aiming to accommodate up to 100 exhibitors. She is also encouraging consumers to attend and support local businesses, noting that numerous small businesses over the years have seen significant growth and the move into becoming medium-sized businesses.

Jamal Delph, Head of Small and Medium Business at Brava, reaffirmed the company’s support for the initiative, noting that small businesses need the right tools, reliable connectivity, and access to knowledge to compete and succeed.

“We must acknowledge today that small businesses play that integral part in the development of the planet. They also need to compete on a scale to succeed. We need the right tools, reliable connectivity, access to knowledge and the fundamentals that could help move their businesses forward,” he said. Delph noted that connectivity is particularly important as businesses increasingly rely on digital services to reach customers and manage their operations.

Christpen Bobb-Semple, chairman of GCCI’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee, said the programme was developed to respond directly to the needs of entrepreneurs and provide practical opportunities for business development.

He explained that the Chamber surveyed its members to identify the areas in which they required assistance before working with business support organisations to organise the workshops. “These sessions have zero charge for attending. What we did was actually come up with a survey and communicate that to members of the Chamber, seeking their input on what really mattered for them to take their businesses further,” he said. The programme aims to tackle a wide range of challenges highlighted by entrepreneurs and will provide forums for discussions on business planning and strategy, costing and pricing, procurement and sessions for women and youths in the sector.

Among the businesses preparing to use the expo to reach new customers is Natasha’s Gift Centre. Founder and co-owner, Natasha Alli, will introduce a new specialised line, Dare to Taste, during the weekend event.

Alli said the business focuses on creating distinctive gift experiences with a local touch and sees the expo as an opportunity to introduce its products to a wider audience.

HYPE BUILDING FOR THE EXPO

A first-time participant of the event, Alli highlighted the level of support being offered by the GCCI, adding, “Partnering with GCCI has been amazing because it has given a platform to small businesses like ours to step into the spotlight. This weekend is all about connecting for us. We are looking forward to building relationships with local consumers, but more importantly, we are inviting corporate managers, management, and buyers to come and sample our work for their upcoming holiday hampers and staff appreciation gifts.” Alli said.

Diyatro Irrao, representing Synonymous and Nascence, said the company was using its participation to introduce Vibes Market, an e-commerce platform designed to give local vendors digital storefronts where they can display products and connect with customers.

The platform allows vendors to list their goods, share a personal web address and QR code, and provide customers with access to product information and prices.

He explained that the broader objective is to make it easier for small vendors to enter the digital marketplace.

According to Irrao, the company is committed to making the process accessible to entrepreneurs who may not be tech-savvy, noting that vendors can register online and use tutorial videos to guide them through the process. “I wanted to get an idea that that person got a QR code that any customer could always scan it, order the item, and they could get it to their doorstep, and the person got a whole holistic storefront with their own items listed. I always persisted, for the wider economy, not just for local, but for the international community, too, as well,” he said.

Shimane Wickham, founder of Beauty and Fashion by Shimane, said the business has grown from a salon into CNS Legacy Holdings Inc., with a wider range of makeup, skincare, and body-care products. Wickham said participating in the expo would give the business an opportunity to reach a customer base, while allowing her to learn more about what is needed to expand and improve operations.

“There are opportunities for growth for small businesses. I have been a part of expos before, and I can say it is actually beneficial. You get to meet the people that would not walk into your business on a regular day,” she said.

The expo at the Railway Courtyard on October 24 and 25 will bring together participating MSMEs and members of the public, giving businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, build customer relationships and explore new commercial opportunities.