The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today launched National Small Business Week, with free training sessions for entrepreneurs and a weekend expo expected to accommodate up to 100 exhibitors.
The programme runs from October 20 to 25 under the theme “Small Businesses, Big Opportunities” and includes workshops on financing, pricing, procurement, standards and marketing, alongside an engagement linking University of Guyana students with business founders.
The expo will be held on October 24 and 25 at the Railway Courtyard, Georgetown. Admission is free, while exhibitors will pay $10,000 for an eight-foot-by-eight-foot booth, according to a GCCI release.
Speaking at the launch in the chamber’s boardroom, GCCI President Kathy Smith emphasised the contribution of small businesses to employment, household livelihoods and the introduction of products and services.
She said the initiative was intended to help small businesses participate in emerging opportunities and contribute to the economy. Smith also pointed to entrepreneurs who had expanded their operations after participating in previous chamber programmes.
National Small Business Week was introduced in 2022. According to the GCCI, it has since evolved to place greater emphasis on practical training, business connections and access to markets.
Chairman of the chamber’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee, Christpen Bobb-Semple, said this year’s workshop topics were selected following a survey of members to identify the support most relevant to their businesses.
“You don’t have to be large in order to have a big impact or a big potential,” he said.
The free workshops will take place on October 21 and 22.
On Wednesday, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry will facilitate training on access to finance and financial management. The Guyana Marketing Corporation will lead sessions on business planning and strategy, and costing and product pricing.
Thursday’s programme will include procurement, business growth and leadership training by the Centre for Local Business Development, covering tendering, government contracts and business expansion.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards will address quality, standards and certification, while the Small Business Bureau will facilitate a marketing session focused on digital readiness and customer engagement.
A Founders’ Talk, organised with the University of Guyana, will take place on Friday, October 23, at the SEBI Building on the Turkeyen Campus. Entrepreneurs will share their experiences of establishing, managing and expanding businesses with students.
Representing principal partner BRAVA by One Communications, Jamal Delve said businesses needed skills and market access alongside reliable technology.
“Business owners also need the skills, the financial understanding, and the market access to turn those tools into results,” he said.
Delve also cited One Communications’ announced US$25 million investment in Guyana for 2026, including expansion of fibre and mobile infrastructure beyond Georgetown.
Smith encouraged the public to support the weekend expo, which will allow participating enterprises to display products and services, generate sales and establish business relationships.
Other sponsors include Guyana Beverages Inc., Guyana Deepwater Operations Inc., Guiana Holding Inc., Scoop Ride Inc., Giftland OfficeMax, Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc. and Republic Bank Guyana Limited.
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