In a continued effort to support small business development, the Guyanese government has provided financial assistance to more than 170 small business owners in Region Two.
The grants, totaling up to 500,000 dollars each, were distributed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, in the compound of the Anna Regina Town Council.
Recipients expressed their gratitude, emphasizing the positive impact the grants would have on their businesses.
Henry Hendricks from Mashabow mentioned his happiness at receiving the grant, while Somawattie Ramnarine expressed her intention to use the funds to expand her catering business.
Shane Elliot, another recipient, described the initiative as a great opportunity to grow his business.
Minister Walrond assured the recipients that the government remains committed to prioritizing support for small businesses.
She highlighted the allocation of 450 million dollars to the Small Business Development Fund for the current year. Minister Walrond emphasized that the support provided is not a one-time handout but includes ongoing assistance, including training, to help entrepreneurs succeed.
This distribution follows a similar initiative in Region Four, where 398 small businesses received grants.
The government has distributed over 4,000 small business grants, totaling nearly 999 million dollars, since taking office.