Women entrepreneurs get much-needed support

Women entrepreneurs received support for their businesses on Friday, as the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) hosted a Women in Business Support Day initiative.

The event held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, provided a one-stop space for women entrepreneurs to access services like business registration, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance, financial support services, and more.

The event was buzzing with inspiration, as women entrepreneurs also had the opportunity of sharing their incredible stories of their journeys to success.

Debbie Agard of Mahaica shared how she has been able to develop a successful business through farming.

“I have a garden which I get help from the Ministry of Agriculture, and I started doing pepper sauce, seasoning and achar. Every year I would be on the expo, and at the moment I have a market to export my pepper sauce, seasoning and achar,” she noted.

She noted that she has further expanded to making aloe, neem, and papaw soap, in addition to coconut and scented oils.

The businesswoman noted that her dream is to help single women and school drop-outs and has since received commitment to start a sewing hub.

Another attendee shared her dream of owning her own ice cream parlour and snackette, a dream which was almost shattered following an injury.

Owing to her perseverance she shared that she was able to register and successfully start her own business.

The women also had the opportunity to register their businesses free of cost through the Deeds and Commercial Registry.

One-on-one consultations were also held with financial institutions like Republic Bank and loan agencies such as IPED, giving women direct access to valuable business support.

Additionally, participants had the chance to engage with the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, sharing concerns, ideas, and solutions for stronger women-led enterprises.