OVER 40 SME’S TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOP AND EXPO IN OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2025

GCCI and IDB Launch Support Desk to Help Small Businesses Access Financing

By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News

Georgetown, Guyana – In a bold move to tackle one of the biggest hurdles faced by small businesses in Guyana — access to financing — the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a comprehensive support initiative aimed at improving financial inclusion for over 40 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The announcement was made during a media briefing on Thursday, where GCCI President Kertie Smith explained that the initiative is part of a wider IDB-conceptualized program being executed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC). The project aims to address longstanding complaints from entrepreneurs about the difficulties of accessing loans and investment capital in the country.

“This is a direct response to the cries of small businesses across Guyana. The inability to access financing has been stifling growth,” said IDB Consultant Jair Kissoon, who also revealed findings from a recent IDB-led study.

The study, which surveyed both lenders and business owners, uncovered a key tension. While SMEs report difficulty in obtaining financing, many financial institutions cite the “unbankability” of these businesses as a significant risk factor.

“Banks see many small businesses as too risky — not investor-ready, and unprepared to handle loans,” Kissoon added. “That’s why this support desk was created — to bridge that gap.”

Features of the Business Support Desk:

Annual capacity-building workshops

Quarterly networking events connecting SMEs with lenders and investors

Personalized services such as business plan development and strategic advisory services

Targeted support for non-extractive, non-oil sectors to strengthen economic diversification

The goal, according to the IDB and GCCI, is to build a resilient, inclusive financial ecosystem that benefits not just big businesses but the grassroots entrepreneurs driving innovation in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the creative industries.

Women Entrepreneurs in Focus

The GCCI also highlighted that the upcoming expo and workshop will showcase women-led and women-owned businesses, aligning with national and international goals for gender equity in economic development.

This latest initiative follows the recently concluded teen internship program, which GCCI President Smith noted saw enthusiastic participation from Guyana’s youth.

“We are not just talking about building the private sector — we are actively creating the support infrastructure for it,” Smith emphasized.

Looking Ahead:
With over 40 SMEs set to benefit in this initial phase, organizers hope the Business Support Desk will evolve into a nationwide resource hub and play a key role in unlocking capital for Guyana’s next generation of business leaders.

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