Homegrown and good
— first Small Business Market Day
— promoting local small businesses
DPI, Guyana, Friday, November 22, 2019
The Ministry of Business, through the Small Business Bureau, held its first Small Business Market Day today.
This initiative, facilitated by the Ministry of Business saw several small businesses showcasing their product on Regent Street. Both exhibitors and patrons agreed that the event was an excellent way to help foster the development of small businesses in Guyana.
Owner of Wardy’s Agro-processing, located in New Amsterdam, Mitlord Ward noted that “the Market Day and other such events provide exposure for my business and will benefit other small agro-processors.”
Rodiek-ah De Freitas, the CEO of Diekah Spices, a business that manufactures local seasoning with no artificial preservatives said “with the publicity that comes with shows like this allow persons to get more acquainted with our products and the quality items that Guyana has to offer. We also get to network, meet other persons that can add value to our businesses… I think there is always a need for an event like these… Guyana has so many agro-processors who make so much other stuff, and they don’t always get to come out and showcase what they have to offer. Platforms like these will always do good for us,” De Freitas added.
Melana Hudson of MH designs an outfit that makes make local accessories noted that the initiative is ideal for small business “just getting out there” and should be hosted every month.
Patrons were high in praise for the initiative. “I am very supportive of the event… and I am supportive of local products. I hope that we can have these events quarterly,” said Tricia Richard
Jennifer Ramcharrand, who is in the fashion industry, noted “I think we need more of this… and I generally think this is all-round great, seeing what people can do and seeing our culture is amazing.”
David Thomas, who resides in the United States, opined that the more awareness there is of events such as these, the more knowledgeable persons will be of the activities of small businesses, and as a result, the economy will benefit.
The Small Business Bureau (SBB), which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Business, has been customising loans and services for small business throughout Guyana.