The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce has commissioned its Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre, in keeping with its mandate to support the growth and development of small businesses, in particular, women-led businesses and farmers.

The Learning Centre was developed through a partnership with the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) with funding from Global Affairs Canada.

Located on the middle floor of the Chamber’s building in Georgetown, the facility features a training room, boardroom, and three offices that will house technical officers to support the beneficiaries through several services including capacity building in areas such as business development, marketing, preparation of proposals, financial education, and compliance.

President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, said the establishment of the Centre is testament to Chamber’s commitment to the development and success of country’s business landscape at every level.

She said it will help to transform small businesses, allowing them to become more competitive on a national scale, through training and capacity building.

“This facility represents an opportunity—an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises in Guyana to access invaluable training and information. And I am not speaking of just members of the GCCI. Any woman entrepreneur or farmer can walk up these stairs and access our portfolio of services and support,” Smith said.

Smith said in building capacity, the Centre will ensure small businesses are compliant with local laws and regulations, and meet local, regional and even international standards. 

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who attended the launch said the Centre stands as a beacon of opportunity for empowerment and innovation, and will build on the long established relation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Georgetown Chamber.

“This Learning Centre is more than just a physical space—it is a space of potential, a space where ideas can become enterprises and enterprises can become engines of sustainable growth for our nation,” Minister Mustapha said.

He said although Agriculture is often viewed as a labour intensive, male dominated field, Guyanese women remain an integral part of the sector, from planting and harvesting in rice fields and sugar estates to tending kitchen gardens, rearing livestock and operating agro-processing ventures.

A 2022 survey revealed that women account for 33% of farmers. The Minister said it is the Government’s objective to have 50% of new agriculture ventures led by women and youth by 2030.

He said by fostering collaboration and continuous learning, the Centre will help ensure both the Agriculture and Business Sectors grow, thereby strengthening food security, and creating job opportunities.

“As Guyana rises as the food producing capital of the Caribbean, partnership with CARICOM Member States, Northern Brazil and international alliance are opening new doors for innovation and investment. The Learning Centre will help entrepreneur prepare to seize these opportunities, meet international standards and compete globally,” the Agriculture Minister said.

WUSC Country Coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project, Donald Cole said GCCI, WUSC, and the Ministry of Agriculture have a longstanding partnership that has embraced the concept of inclusive Market System.  

It was noted that the collaboration has grown into platforms like Guyana Agri Connect and events such as the Agriculture Symposium where more than 130 stakeholders came together to align public and private action.

Cole said the Centre is designed to provide practical tools and tailored mentoring for beneficiaries that will yield results.

“This Centre is designed for results. It offers training in business fundamentals, digital tools, food security, food safety and quality, and sustainable production. It is also a place to test products, showcase them, and meet buyers and service providers,” Cole said.

 Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada, Adam Loyer; and Junior Vice President and Chairman of the GCCI’s Agriculture Committee, Brian Edwards were among the other officials present at the launching.

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