The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has granted 20 persons a total of $20 million grant through its Green Tech Fund. The beneficiaries each received $1 million at a ceremony hosted on Monday.
The grants are for existing and start-up businesses that are technology and environmentally based.
Ms. Kaimwantie Seenarine, of ‘Smart Learning Guyana’ will develop a mobile app that will help children in Guyana. The App will cater primarily for children who do not have regular access to the internet.
She explained that once the app is downloaded, it could be used without internet access.
“We are actually going to take concept from schools and convert it into more interactive self-learning system. We are trying to help children learn independently because during this COVID-19 time and many children do have assistance from teachers directly so we will be teaching them to be more independent learners,” she said.
Ms. Cherryann Greene, who will be launching her business under the name ‘Ridealong Gy’, said the aim is to reduce the carbon emission foot print that have far ranging environmental and health effects “by promoting more pedal cycling in and around Georgetown. I will also aim to collaborate with other small businesses like myself to promote, health and fitness and tourism in Guyana”.
Ezee Loans, owned by Mr. Rupesh Ganpat who worked 10 years in the banking industry, developed an app to guide individuals through the loan process.
“The application is going to allow you to put in the pertinent information and guide along if you are going qualify and also, I am to partner with the bank as well so that they can take another step and guide the individual,” he told DPI.
Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce representative Mr. John Edghill told the awardees that the Bureau and the Government was there for the people.
“Through the Small Business Bureau and other agencies under our remit we will increase access to finance we will increase entrepreneurship skills development to all entrepreneurs both budding and potential.”
CEO of the Small Business Bureau, Mr. Lowell Porter said the agency will continue to promote businesses that are innovative and environmentally friendly. He said the Government is willing and ready to support more innovative businesses.
The Bureau will be following up with the awardees to ensure they follow through with the grant and there is a three-month time frame by which they have to set up or at least start. The Bureau will also work with them in this area.