Five small businesses take big step toward export readiness

For five local entrepreneurs, the Berbice Expo offered more than just a platform to sell products—it was a chance to showcase their creativity, resilience, and the potential of Guyanese businesses on a regional and international stage.

The Guyana Office for Investment’s (GO-Invest) “Brand Guyana” campaign served as the backdrop for their showcase, providing guidance, training, and opportunities to prepare their products for export markets.

“We are promoting our ‘Brand, Guyana’. Under this theme, we’re showcasing locally manufactured products by our local producers. We support them by helping their products become export-ready. Tonight, we are featuring five small businesses: Allison’s Hair and Skin, Nature’s Gift, Countryside Flavor, Wardy’s, and Exotic Bites,” said Leanna Damon, Director of Investment at GO-Invest.

For Allison Gilead, founder of Allison’s Hair and Skin Care Products, the journey began with a personal challenge. “It all started when our firstborn son was diagnosed with atopic eczema. We began creating natural products to meet his needs, and that’s how our skincare line was born.” At the expo, Allison was eager to engage visitors and share the story behind her range of hair oils, moisturizers, soaps, body scrubs, body butters, and lip care items.

Mitford Ward, owner of Wardy’s Agro Processing, sees his participation as an opportunity to give local crops a new life. “A lot of times, farmers face a glut in the market, and prices drop. By processing the crops, we can extend their shelf life and make them available even during shortages,” he said. Ward has benefited from GO-Invest’s support for years. “This is my third year being sponsored by GO-Invest to showcase my products. Last year, they also assisted me in participating in Agri Fest in Barbados, which was a big step for my business,” he added.

For Devon Gilead, founder of Nature’s Gift, the expo is a chance to connect with customers and grow his business. “With GO-Invest’s help, I’ve been able to showcase my products at the Expo. It’s a great push for my business,” he said, highlighting his line of natural honey, beeswax candles, and skincare products.

At 26, Alita Cradon is making her mark in the vegan market with Exotic Bites, offering beetroot powder, herbal tea bags, jams, and plant-based crab oil. “We had to create a product, and that’s when the innovation struck me. I decided to expand and turn it into a real business,” she said, reflecting on how her school project at the Guyana School of Agriculture grew into a fully operational business.

For all five exhibitors, the Berbice Expo was more than an event—it was a launchpad for growth, an opportunity to connect with customers, and a chance to take Guyanese products to the world. GO-Invest said the Brand Guyana initiative continues to empower small businesses, helping them scale and promoting Guyanese products to international markets.