A new small business accelerator targeting Guyanese agro-processors has been launched to help enhance their businesses for international exports.
CEO of the Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT), Oslene Carrington, told Village Voice News that the accelerator will support small agricultural manufacturers’ efforts to grow, build wealth, and establish their brands on the international stage.
In fact, Guyana’s agriculture sector represents nearly 20% of the country’s GDP. According to public data sources, the great majority of that activity relates to rice and sugar. The same data point to the fact that finished agricultural goods are not currently exported at high levels.
Carrington said that the accelerator is focused on finished agricultural goods since the sector represents the greatest opportunity for many more Guyanese to build wealth and provide private employment to others.
The programme involves robust technical training, coaching by skilled international partners for 30 selected applicants, and sizable non-reimbursable grants ultimately being offered to five of the most promising businesses in the programme.
To qualify for the training and grant opportunity, applicants must be over the age of 18; the agro-processed product must be eligible for export; the business must be formally registered, operating for at least two years and generating revenue; and the business must be up to date on all tax and pension obligations.
Businesses meeting these requirements are met, persons can apply using the link: https://innovateguyana.org/grow/. The application has been open since July 1, closes on Saturday, July 31st.
Carrington mentioned that they have been receiving great response from agro-processors all over the country, but the organisation wants to ensure that as many agro-processors meeting the criteria as possible are aware of this opportunity.
The Guyana Economic Development Trust is an independent, US- and Guyana-based initiative that supports early stage scientific-, technology-, and agriculture-oriented enterprises in Guyana. Through venture philanthropy–a business minded approach involving long-term investments and strategic management support–GEDT incubates and accelerates small firms that help contribute to Guyana’s development and creates jobs. For more information, visit www.theguyanatrust.org.
