Businesses in Region 10 should prepare now to tap financing from the Guyana Development Bank (GDB), which the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) said would transform access to affordable financing.

The Chamber said in a statement that the Bank would give entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers, manufacturers, service providers and emerging businesses the means to grow, innovate and create jobs.

LCICD President Lyndon Younge said the launch "represents a historic milestone in our nation's development."

"We are particularly encouraged by the opportunities this institution will create for businesses in Region 10 and other communities outside of Georgetown. The Chamber looks forward to working closely with the Bank to ensure that local businesses are equipped and prepared to access these opportunities," he said.

The Chamber said the Bank could anchor economic diversification by channelling investment into agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, transportation, renewable energy, information technology, construction and other productive industries, which it said are central to broad-based prosperity and lasting national development.

It urged businesses to assemble the documentation, business plans and compliance requirements needed to qualify, and said it would work with the Government and the Bank to support them.

It congratulated Private Sector Commission (PSC) Vice Chairperson Kathy Smith on her appointment as GDB Deputy Chairperson, citing her experience, leadership and longstanding commitment to private sector development. It also congratulated President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government on the launch.