The Small Business Developers Association (SBDA) in collaboration with the National Association of Adventist Men’s Ministries (NAAMM) is hosting its second Adventist Small Business Summit, today, September 26, 2021, at the Sophia Exhibition Center Ground.
The event will showcase numerous small businesses owned and operated by Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) in Guyana. It is a part of the initiative of the aforementioned groups, to enable and encourage SDAs to participate and thrive in business.
The first time the Summit was held was in 2018 at the Umana Yana. There, the small businesses were invited to hear from business specialists in the various sectors and from representatives from a number of financing and Government institutions.
The participants learned new strategies for conducting business, networked, and engaged Government and private agencies about the requirements needed to access financing, contracts or generally improve their operations. The Summit ended with a grand exposition of the local Adventist small businesses.
This year, as a result of COVID-19, the event planners have had to adapt to the necessary changes and have taken the event outdoors. They will similarly be able to discuss topics such as financing, marketing, training and more.
According to President of the SBDA, Sven Wills, this year, a higher number of small businesses are expected to participate.
“This year, I think it will be bigger in terms of the amount of businesses that we have on display,” he said. Although the event is a Men’s Ministry initiative, persons can expect to see both women, men and youths who have ventured out in business.
Apart from the public engagement, the event will provide an opportunity for Adventist businesses to form partnerships and joint ventures in areas where their interests and needs align.
Wills explained: “With most Adventists, a lot of the times, most of the things that happen in the wider business sector, a lot of the things happen on Saturday when we would be in church worshipping. So, bringing them together allows for the commonality to take center stage.”
Meanwhile, at the 9 AM opening ceremony which will kickstart the event, remarks will come from President of the Guyana Conference of SDA, Pastor Exton Clarke, Director of the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters and Principal of Critchlow Labour College, Dr. Ivor Engish.
Those attending can expect to see all COVID-19 protocols observed such as the wearing of facemasks, sanitizing and social distancing. Wills has encouraged the public to come out and witness the unique products and services offered by the Adventist community.
