Minister Walrond -Another 700+ small businesses to receive grants in 2022

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond said some 700 plus small
businesses are set to benefit from grants to enhance their capacity in the coming year.
Minister Walrond made the announcement on Tuesday, during the launch of the Who’s Who in
Guyana Magazine, at the residence of the British High Commissioner, Bel Air. “Since returning
to office, government has already assisted 700 small businesses with grants to enhance capacity.
I am pleased to say that an equal and possibly higher number will benefit in 2022. We will
continue to offer training and support to our small businesses so that their capacity to undertake
larger projects is enhanced,” she said.
The minister said that the government is proactively working to improve the ease of doing
business by reforming policies. “These policies include funding of major infrastructural works,
regulatory reform and investing in human capacity,” she explained. The tourism minister said
that with respect to regulatory reforms, government continues to enhance systems and processes
to align with modern, global expectations of the business environment. She stressed that to this
end, single windows for trade and construction permit remain key priorities of the government,
as it seeks to significantly reduce the time and cost of doing business.
Minister Walrond congratulated the production of the Who’s Who in Guyana Magazine, noting
that it gives valuable information to the international community about local businesses. She said
that it also encourages investment which, she noted, is something the government is seeking for
the agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and financial sectors, and other services for a truly
diversified economy. “The fact that the Who’s Who publication covers all these sectors and
indeed many more is testimony to the breadth of opportunity that awaits the serious investor here
in Guyana,” she disclosed.
She continued, “You will notice that I do not differentiate between foreign and local investment,
for we believe that there is no sustainable development without deep and meaningful
participation in the economy by local businesses.”
Walrond expressed her desire to see local businesses become globally competitive, and said the
government stands ready to work with anyone committed to Guyana’s sustainable development.