As part of its aim to provide micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a platform to develop their operations, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) through its Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee yesterday launched its inaugural National Small Business Week.
The event will be held from April 8 to 16, during which time entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to showcase their services, build their business profiles and develop their product lines to boost their performance, build brand awareness and foster professional connection that can lead to future partnerships.
It will also feature a series of online webinars, community outreaches, and special discounts on products and services from the participating businesses.
All activities will be hosted on the GCCI’s website http://nsbw.gcci.gy/ and its Facebook page.
Speaking at the launch, which was held in the GCCI’s boardroom yesterday morning, Chairman of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee Dr Rosh Khan, said that small businesses are the “backbone” of the economy.
Khan posited that the event will aid in advocating for policies, strengthening trade and investment, and fostering connections that could lead to the expanded economic growth of small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. We have heard this before but when you really look at what small business owners do, they are ultimately community leaders. They are the individuals that exercise grit to go out there every day. They are the individuals that hire from their community,” Khan explained.
“So what we have done here with Small Business Week is really to create a platform to showcase what they have to offer through sharing incentives, specials deals, discounts and value ads that may not be available outside of this week,” he added.
Meanwhile, GCCI President Timothy Tucker remarked that GCCI has always been at the forefront of advocacy for businesses. “GCCI wants to be the driver and not just seen as the organisation that operates and listens to medium and large businesses alone, but one that actually listens and cares and promotes for all members whether you are a small, micro, medium or large enterprise.”
He added, “No one is locked out of the GCCI. It is not a big boys club. I, myself, as a small business owner have used the GCCI to resolve issues so I encourage persons to participate, to develop your business.”
Tucker informed that currently the GCCI has 550 members, 244 of whom are micro and small businesses. While he said that National Small Busi-ness Week will focus on the small businesses that are members of the GCCI, he encouraged those who are desirous of participating to join GCCI. “We are going to be able to fast track your membership and offer discounts for persons wanting to participate in this event. We encourage all businesses out there to join the GCCI.”
GCCI aims to partner with various government ministers, corporate sponsors, and other business services organisations, to have the event held annually.
