The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce on Tuesday launched its first Community Business Clinic for 2026 at Westminster Secondary School, with Minister Susan Rodrigues describing the initiative as a one-stop hub for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The clinic brings together several government agencies and departments in a single location, allowing participants to access information, complete important business-related processes, and receive direct technical support.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Rodrigues said the initiative is part of the government’s effort to make doing business easier by bringing services closer to people and reducing the challenges of navigating multiple agencies.
She noted that small business owners often face difficulties accessing information or meeting requirements across various institutions, and said the clinic was designed to simplify that experience.
Agencies participating in the exercise include the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Guyana Tourism Authority, and the Small Business Bureau.
Also represented were the Local Content Secretariat, Guyana Revenue Authority, Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, National Insurance Scheme, and the Ministry’s Department of Commerce.
Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Thandi McAllister, was also present and addressed participants on the importance of government support in helping entrepreneurship and small business development.
Persons attending the clinic were able to get assistance with business registration, compliance requirements, standards and certification, taxation guidance, financing opportunities, and consumer protection matters.
The ministry said the initiative also provides an avenue for direct engagement with technical officers, allowing business owners to receive tailored advice and immediate support.
Additional Community Business Clinics are expected to be held in other regions across Guyana later this year.
