Small businesses get boost through networking forum

GCCI President Kathy Smith

Small businesses in Guyana have received a major push, with networking opportunities presented through the recently concluded fifth edition of the Business Development Forum 2025.

The two-day event, hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), wrapped up at the Corporate Suites of the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown on Friday.

Delivering remarks, GCCI President Kathy Smith said the objective is to create a platform which allows entrepreneurs access to invaluable knowledge to establish and grow their businesses beyond the local business market.

“We have pushed the conversation into ensuring they have sustainability, competitiveness, opportunity of new and emerging private and public sector businesses, figuring out how they can pivot their products. Our focus is on how we can get the small business owners mind out of operating locally only. We want to get them into the regional and international market,” she said.

Smith added that in developing this year’s framework, special consideration has been given to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with the assertion that in order for businesses to thrive, they would need guidance on planning as well as sustainability.

“We must ensure that we are traceable. Can I find you? Can I call you on the phone? Can I get you on the social media platform? Can I get you on a website? Can I find you at a location? Do you have staff that are supporting you? Do you have a business account?,” she stressed.

Smith said the aim is to ensure these businesses expand their reach and capacity so that they can confidently get into different business spaces. She boasted that Guyana’s rapid pace of development is unmatched, and as that economy evolves, businesses must reflect this in how they present their products and services to the rest of the world.

Smith noted that while the government continues to roll out developmental projects and initiatives, while streamlining systems for increased efficiency and a diverse economy, the private sector must also match and maintain that momentum.