Guyana Ministry Awards $300,000 in Business Grants to 83 Women

• The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security awarded business grants to 83 women
• The beneficiaries were participants in the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Programme

The Ministry of Human Services & Social Security presented business grants worth $300,000 to 83 Women throughout Guyana.

These individuals are participants of the Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Programme which includes survivors of violence & human trafficking.

The ceremony to distribute the grants was held at the Guyana Women's Leadership Institute (GWLI), Cove & John, East Coast Demerara. This initiative is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) & Inter-American Development Bank (IADB).

The Ministry has said that these grants were awarded to the beneficiaries based on a competitive selection process. In order to apply for a grant, applicants needed to complete WIIN Training, submit a business proposal, and be evaluated by both the Ministry of Human Services& Social Security and an IADB Review Team.

Minister of Human Services & Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud described this program as an effort to support women's entrepreneurship and the long-term growth of their businesses.

She emphasized that these 83 beneficiaries were from nine regions in Guyana, with a total amounting to about $25 million in funding.

During the presentation of the grants, the Minister urged recipients to utilise these funds solely for their Business Operations and reiterated the need for them to sustain their businesses.

She also said that 28 Beneficiaries have expressed interest in creating Business Consortia to improve their capability to operate.

Dr. Vindhya reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting the grant recipients by monitoring their development and offering assistance when necessary.

A number of the Recipients spoke to plans following the awarding of the grants. Elizabeth Adolf, from St Igantius in Region Nine, plans to Expand her Block-making And Construction, and Create Jobs in her community due to her grant.

Faith Henry, an entrepreneur from Region One at the age of twenty (20), would use her grant money to enhance her online shopping business. Tracy Fredericks, owner of Tracy's Cake Treats and Delight, said she plans to use her grant money to enhance her Business as well.