Eighty-three women from across Guyana have received $300,000 each to launch or expand their small businesses, under a partnership involving the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Government of Canada and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The grants, totalling about $25 million, were distributed on Wednesday at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), East Coast Demerara (ECD). Beneficiaries include women trained under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, survivors of gender-based violence, and persons supported by the Ministry’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit.
The initiative forms part of the Social Safety Nets and Gender Empowerment Programme and targets women in nine of the ten administrative regions, with a focus on helping them build sustainable, independent livelihoods.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said the grants represent a “transformational milestone” that builds on months of skills training and business preparation.
She stressed that WIIN was designed not only to teach a skill but to show women how to turn that skill into income, financial independence and stability. She also underscored the importance of accountability and reinvestment as women grow their enterprises.
Dr. Persaud noted that more women are now venturing into non-traditional sectors such as construction, oil and gas services, logistics and technology, and said the latest batch of awardees will further diversify Guyana’s pool of women-led businesses.
“Every year, we host the largest women’s expo in Guyana,” she said, adding that this initiative is adding dozens more entrepreneurs to the more than 300 women who already own and lead businesses through the Ministry’s programmes.
IDB Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Salazar, encouraged the women to see the grants as a springboard not only for personal advancement but for broader social impact. She pointed out that stronger women-led businesses can improve families’ overall well-being, including better access to health care and education.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Tariq Williams, representing the High Commissioner of Canada, said the partnership with the Ministry and the IDB is aimed at breaking down barriers to women’s economic empowerment.
He explained that while training is essential, it must be matched with access to capital if women are to successfully start and grow businesses, and that the business grants were designed to close that gap.
The Ministry said the programme is part of a wider push to strengthen women’s economic independence, promote gender equality and ensure that more women have the “tools, skills and resources” to build thriving enterprises and more secure futures for themselves and their families.
