Over $2M in grants from the Small Business Bureau (SBB) have been presented to small business owners in Anna Regina, Region 2, according to a release yesterday from the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar and team travelled to the community to hand out cheques to the nine entrepreneurs.
Speaking with DPI, 58-year-old, Alva George said she can finally construct a shop to better serve her customers who buy snacks from her at the Anna Regina Market Square.
“I have been in the food business for five years and I never applied for my NIS [National Insurance Scheme] or GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority] compliance. However, I was advised to do so and when I did, I got the push to apply for a grant which was presented to me today. Finally, I can build a little shop, where I can properly display my food. Before, I was selling on two tables and the rain would often time disrupt my business,” George said.
DPI said that Roopchand Jaichand, 50, travelled from the Pomeroon River to collect his grant. Jaichand, who sells phones cards, said he will use the grant to expand his business since he plans to distribute phone cards throughout the length and breadth of the region.
“Before I was in the Guyana Police Force but now that I am home, I decided to pursue a small business that would generate a little income, I usually would travel up the Pomeroon River via boat to sell my phone cards, where ever there is signal I will be there. Thanks to the Government, I can now deliver my services even better,” Jaichand said.
Rajkumar said the Coalition Government is committed to providing opportunities for small business entrepreneurs. He stated that the bureau has allocated $100 Million in the 2019 budget to assist those persons who are seeking to enlarge their businesses.
The Business Minister also cautioned the entrepreneurs that to effectively manage their ventures they practise proper accountability and honour their obligations to the GRA and NIS.
