UncappeD – avenue of growth for small business
DPI Guyana, December 8, 2019
Since 2017, UncappeD Marketplace has been a launching pad for small businesses across the country, providing them with much-needed exposure to get their products into Guyanese homes.
Despite the inclement weather, patrons converged on the Providence Stadium’s parking lot as the final instalment of UncappeD for 2019 was held today. The event saw over 30 booths showcasing products ranging from seasonings, jams, chips, and condiments to jewellery, dolls, ornaments and cosmetics such as shampoos, soaps, and essential oils.
DPI spoke to Annie Rooplall, Manager of Prestige Manufacturing & Bottling Enterprise whose product line includes quality essences as well a variety of seasoning and flavourings including, Mustard Flavoured oil, Vinegar, Chinese Sauce, Cassareep, Tamarind Chutney and Mango Achar. Rooplall noted that while their products are well-established, they still participate in the event to introduce new patrons to their products.
Hailing all the way from Berbice Mohammed Kumar of Mohammed’s Handicraft said UncappeD provides him with the necessary exposure to potential customers outside of his region. “I’m from Berbice and coming down here [Georgetown] people know what products I have they know what I’m making and it benefits me in that way,” he noted while showcasing his floral arrangements and vases all made from local materials
For the wine connoisseurs 592 Wine, Juice and Shakes was back for another year. Owner Kellon Lamazon boasted that this outlet is the only one to produce peanut wine. He noted that with every participation at UncappeD their clientele has grown and with it the demand for a larger variety of wines and other beverages.
Another small business owner to have benefitted from the event is the herbalist ‘Dawndilion’ who displayed an amazing array of herbal remedies for various ailments. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing and I am getting so many new clients at the end of this. People are being aware of ‘Dawndilion’ … and I can’t complain God has been good.”
Local Fashion Icon Sonic Noel was also at the expo supporting a member from her network market her products, Noel opined that more persons needed to support local businesses and suggested presenting local products as gifts or sending to friends and family overseas as possible ways of supporting small businesses here. She also expressed the desire to see more locally produced items showcased on the local supermarket shelves.