Another local private sector initiative has been put in place to assist small businesses grow and develop, recognising that such enterprises are an important part of Guyana’s economic growth.
To this end, the Coca-Cola Caribbean System in Guyana composed of Banks DIH Limited and Coca-Cola Central Operations has announced that 56 entrepreneurs have graduated from its Growing Together Small Business Training Programme.
According to a Banks DIH release yesterday, the programme is an innovative economic empowerment initiative focused on the continuing growth and sustainability of traditional trade businesses. It is available to small business enterprises which the release considers to be a crucial economic engine for the country, while providing livelihoods for generations of families across Guyana.
Marketing Director- Banks DIH Limited, Carlton Joao, echoed this sentiment. “Small shops, traditional trade mom and pops and convenience stores are essential for the communities where they are located. This is why the Coca-Cola Latin America and Banks DIH Limited are proud to support their growth and development through economic empowerment initiatives like “Growing Together”, of this important pillar – the Customer.”
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Mohamed Shazim Ibrabim, in his address to the graduates, encouraged them to maintain courage in the face of challenges. He emphasised the need for them to embrace “innovation, collaboration, and connection” to grow their business. He also informed of the opportunities available to small businesses in Guyana through the SBB such as loans, grants and small business market place.
The release explained that the Growing Together initiative is a curriculum-based training programme that is available to local merchants. It is offered through weekly tutor-led sessions for these business owners and includes management topics such as Entrepreneurship, Small Business Finance, Customer Service, and Innovation.
Further, The Coca Cola Growing Together programme has already graduated thousands of small businesses owners in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.
Over the next year Banks DIH Limited will target 300 of these businesses in Guyana with participants being awarded a certificate upon completion of the programme, the release added.
Anyone requiring more information on the Growing Together Small Business Training Program can contact sforrester@banksdih.com or call 225-0910 ext 2232.
