Small Businesses to benefit from COVID-19 relief grants

–must be registered to be eligible

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Government of Guyana is working to ensure that Small businesses benefit from COVID-19 relief grants through the Small Business Bureau.

The grant funding is specific to businesses registered under the Small Business Bureau. The application can be completed online and is being conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lowell Porter explained once the applicants meet all the necessary criteria the agency will “disperse that grant to you, in five days; that is our deadline. “

While noting that the Small Business Bureau will not limit the scope of applicants, Dr. Porter said priority will be given to essential businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

These include, for example, establishments involved in food production and supplying healthcare items. The CEO said the agency is not restricting the applicants but giving them room to “show their innovative side.”

He also clarified that relief is a grant and not a loan, as such, businesses will not have to repay.

“Though it is financial, you will not actually receive cash, but you may receive a cheque to a supplier. However, importantly it is a grant that you do not have to repay but there are conditions that come with it”

Interested persons who are unable to complete the form online, also have the option to book an appointment with the Small Business Bureau.

Application forms can be found on their website www.sbb.gov.gy