The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Friday hosted its 2026 Business Breakfast Seminar at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, providing entrepreneurs with critical insights into the Government of Guyana’s soon-to-be-established SME Development Bank.
Held before a packed conference hall, the seminar served as an important platform for business owners to learn about the bank’s operations, eligibility requirements, and the financing opportunities that will soon become available to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, commended the government for establishing the institution, noting that the initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening Guyana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are serious about our entrepreneurial goals and the advancement of our business landscape,” Smith stated. “When you invest in the advancement of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, you invest in the upliftment of people and communities. You become a catalyst for the creation of generational wealth and economic development, and this is exactly what the government has done with the creation of this bank.”
Smith emphasised that the Development Bank reflects the government’s responsiveness to longstanding calls from the private sector for greater access to financing. She encouraged entrepreneurs to position themselves to benefit from the opportunities ahead by ensuring their businesses are compliant, properly documented, and investment-ready.
Delivering the feature address, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector expansion and economic diversification.
“We want to see you do well because we believe that a growing private sector that seeks out, finds and converts business opportunities into income can only contribute to a more prosperous and successful country,” Minister Singh said. “You have in us a committed partner.”
Highlighting Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy, Minister Singh noted that emerging opportunities now exist across virtually every sector, including industries such as cosmetology, catering and other service based enterprises.
The Minister disclosed that GY$40 billion will be made available through the Development Bank over the next two years, with 50 per cent already allocated in the 2026 National Budget. Legislation establishing the bank is currently before Parliament.
The institution will offer loans of up to GY$3 million free of collateral and interest, with applications to be assessed based on bankability and the viability of business proposals. A Board of Directors will oversee application vetting and determine repayment terms.
Minister Singh stressed, however, that the Development Bank should serve as a launchpad for MSMEs rather than their final financing destination, expressing the government’s vision of seeing small enterprises evolve into larger businesses capable of accessing conventional financing.
Participants also benefited from a panel discussion featuring industry experts.
The seminar underscored the importance of preparedness, innovation and strategic planning as Guyana continues to expand opportunities for local businesses within its rapidly transforming economy.
