Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond on Wednesday handed over cheques worth $7.4 million for the development of 15 small businesses in Region Two.
The simple handing over ceremony was held in the boardroom of the Regional State House at Anna Regina, where the Small Business Bureau (SBB) was holding a three-day Small Business “One Stop Shop” that concluded yesterday.
The recipients of the grants are Ashook (only name given), who has a butchery business; Bibi Bacchus, who has a pharmaceutical business; Bish-ma Persaud, for a pre-nursery school; Deon Persaud, for a photo studio and document centre; Jaiantilall (only name given), for a printery and variety shop; James Schadde, for a grocery; Kalapana Narine, for a salon; Kavita Sookraj, for a supermarket; Keran Persaud, for a barbershop; Lennox Carter, for a beverages and snacks business; Leon Jeffery, for a livestock, fruits and vegetables business; Louis Smith, for a variety store; Pramnauth Bissessar, for a retail footwear business; Tatyana Moore for Miracles Skincare Products; and Vishaaan Singh, for a poultry business.
Small business development grants can have a maximum value of $500,000, which most of the businesses have been granted.
Walrond, who was happy the region benefitted from “One Stop Shop,” said the grants were increased from $200,000 to $500,000 under the new government.
According to her, the ministry, through the SBB, recognises the devastating impact of COVID-19, particularly on businesses, and so efforts were made to ensure that grants are available to assist entrepreneurs.
She added that there is also a COVID-19 grant that is available through SBB to help cushion the negative impact of COVID-19.
Walrond reminded beneficiaries that the government is concerned about the business environment and is doing everything possible to create a positive environment for businesses throughout Guyana.
“All Guyanese matter despite your political background. We are here to deliver to the people, we are not sitting in our offices and, as such, we are reaching out to the people. Only then we can know what’s really going on and what is happening with businesses and how we can assist,” Walrond said.
She urged the beneficiaries to ensure that they utilise the grants so that they will assist their businesses as well as to create opportunities for others in the communities.
Meanwhile, acting Chief Executive Officer of the SBB Vanessa Thompson said the “One Stop Shop” was the first for the region and saw assistance being given to persons in a number of areas, including the application process to ensure that they can easily access the grants/loans. The SBB team also visited Akawini and Wakapoa to offer similar services. The SBB also offered other opportunities to small businesses, including coaching, mentoring, and guidance free of cost to businesses.
According to Thompson, there has been an increase in the issuance of grants, particularly in the region. In 2020, she said, only one grant was issued, while in 2021 over 50 grants have been issued, accounting for over $21.5 million disbursed in the region. She also mentioned that there is a faster process in acquiring grants/loans than in the past.
Those who received the grants were very overjoyed and expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the SBB for assisting them. Moore, the owner of Miracle Skincare, said that during the pandemic her business suffered tremendously and the grant is expected to help her to continue her business.
Another beneficiary, Keron Persaud, was also happy to receive the grant. He said his barbershop had suffered and he is happy that he received the grant. He said he will use the grant to further enhance his business.
