-by NaAsia Bristol
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is stepping up efforts to prepare businesses for the launch of the Guyana Development Bank. At a business seminar breakfast today, GCCI President Kathy Smith urged entrepreneurs to put proper financial systems in place to benefit from the bank and grow their businesses.
The business breakfast seminar was aimed at educating businesses and facilitating access to financing opportunities. Smith emphasised that while the Development Bank will support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, business owners need to operate transparently and sustainably.
“Like all other institutions in Guyana, we are asking you to kindly set up a business account and not a personal account.Kindly, if you are doing business, we want to see your source documents. If you are selling, we want to see your quotation. If you are receiving money, we want to see your invoice,” she said.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh says Guyanese must begin thinking beyond the traditional path of getting an education and securing a job.
“You are educated, your parents send you to school so you could pass your exam, get a good qualification and get a good job. And that’s good.There’s nothing wrong with that. But as our society evolves, we also need to think more entrepreneurially,” he explained.
The GGCI says it will continue working with its members to ensure they are bankable and ready to take advantage of opportunities when the Ghana Development Bank becomes operational.