January 22, 2025
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce has highlighted the significant role women play in the small business sector, with over 54% of the ministry’s small business clients being women.
Minister Oneidge Walrond shared these insights during a recent social media interview, emphasizing the ministry’s efforts to empower women in entrepreneurship.
From 2020 to 2024, more than 5,400 women received support for their small businesses through the ministry’s initiatives.
This represents a major step towards closing the gender gap in business ownership and development.
The ministry has reached over 8,000 individuals, offering a range of services designed to foster business growth.
To date, over 2,400 small business owners have undergone specialized training in essential areas such as financial management, business plan writing, and marketing.
Walrond noted that these training programs were designed to teach entrepreneurs how to build sustainable businesses without relying solely on grants.
In 2025, the ministry aims to further its efforts by training an additional 3,000 entrepreneurs, focusing on key sectors crucial for small business growth.
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to providing resources and knowledge to help entrepreneurs thrive and ensure the long-term development of small businesses across Guyana.