Success Stories

Unique Amerindian HandiCraft (Region No. 3)

Ms. Janette Patterson T/A Unique Amerindian HandiCrafts’ journey epitomizes the transformative impact of government support on small businesses. As a grant recipient from region 3 in 2019 from the Small Business Bureau, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ms. Patterson utilized the financial assistance to jumpstart her Amerindian crafts business. With strategic investments in stocks and raw materials, she laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial venture, which has since flourished into two thriving locations in regions 3 and 4.

Fast forward to today, Ms. Patterson stands as a testament to the success of governmental promises fulfilled. Sponsored by the SBB, she seized the opportunity to showcase her crafts internationally at Agrofest in Barbados. In an interview, she expressed profound gratitude for the chance to expand her business on an international platform, successfully selling the majority of her items and elevating her products to a global audience.

Ms. Patterson’s trajectory underscores the vital role of governmental initiatives in driving economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs. Ms. Patterson’s story is not just one of personal success but also a shining example of the tangible impact of governmental support in fostering prosperity and opportunity for small businesses nationwide.

Craft Created by Ms. Janette & Ms. Maylene Patterson

Contact Information for Unique Amerindian Handi-Craft

Ms. Janette Patterson & Ms. Maylene Patterson

610-4772/ 650-5191

Business Address: Unit No.1 Second Building Massy Store liliendall, East Coast Demerara

Business Address: Kamuni Creek, Santa Mission, Region 3

The Sunrise Cafe (Region No.4)

Natural Glow Organic Skincare (Region No. 4)

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) through the Government of Guyana is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small businesses in Guyana. One such success story that exemplifies the impact of SBB’s support and resources is Natural Glow Organic Skincare, established in July 2021.

“Starting with just three products and a small manufacturing room producing twenty units of each product monthly, our operations have expanded significantly. Today, our product line boasts over twenty distinct offerings, manufactured in a spacious facility that produces over fifty units of each product monthly. This growth has been driven by the increasing demand for our high-quality products, enabling us to extend our reach beyond our main location in Region 4 (Georgetown) to Region 6 (New Amsterdam) and Region 3 (Tuschen).”

As a client of the SBB, Natural Glow Organic Skincare has also benefited from numerous trainings and exhibitions contributing significantly to their success.

Bimichi Eco Lodge (Region No. 4)

Bimich Eco Lodge, a registered client of the SBB, has become a beacon of excellence in Guyana’s tourism sector. In 2023, the lodge was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Tourism, Small Business Award at the SBB’s annual award ceremony, marking it as a standout success story.

Further, receiving a grant from the SBB was a pivotal moment for Bimich Eco Lodge. This funding allowed the business to enhance its facilities and services, aligning with the broader governmental initiative to promote community-led development. This initiative is integral to the broad-based economic development that the government envisions for all parts of Guyana.

As Bimichi Eco Lodge continues to thrive, it not only contributes to the local economy but also enhances Guyana’s reputation as a top eco-tourism destination. This success story reaffirms the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses, driving economic development, and ensuring that the benefits of growth are felt throughout the nation.

Raker's Grow More Plant Shop (Region No. 4)

After years of honing her skills, Phulmatie Budhram, a horticulturist, launched her business, “Raker’s Grow More Plant Shop,” despite having only a nursery-level education and no prior business experience. Located at Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, Phulmatie’s business is thriving, thanks in large part to the support of the Small Business Bureau (SBB).

The SBB provided not only a grant, which allowed her to purchase essential supplies like soil and plant bags, but also training that proved invaluable to her success. Phulmatie attended two key training sessions—Business Plan Writing and Small Business Management—offered by the Bureau. Although she initially thought the training would be difficult, the staff at SBB made the process easy to understand, giving her the confidence to manage her business effectively.

Phulmatie credits the Small Business Bureau not only for her business growth but for creating lasting relationships and a strong support network. She gives back to her community by donating plants to schools, helping children with their science projects. You can contact Ms. Budhram on +592-687-8973.

Anne's Products (Region No. 4)

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially without the right knowledge, as Anne Peters-Bristol discovered when she launched “Anne’s Products.” Initially operating out of her car, Anne faced significant production and marketing challenges. “I made my first batch of pepper sauce with a small kitchen blender, got burnt badly, and wanted to quit, but my husband encouraged me to continue,” she recalled.

For two years, Anne relied on her small kitchen blender before receiving a grant from the Small Business Bureau, which allowed her to upgrade her equipment. This improved both the quality and variety of her products, which now include green seasoning, Chinese sauce, cassareep, and more.

With the Bureau’s help in branding and business training, Anne gained international exposure through a Miami fair. Now a successful agro-processor/manufacturer, she encourages other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Small Business Bureau.

Support Anne’s Products by visiting Lot 266 Hope Lowland, East Coast Demerara, or contacting her at +592-629-7185.

Wardy's Agro Processing Est. (Region No. 6)

In the heart of Guyana’s food industry, Wardy’s Agro Processing EST. from region 6 stands tall as a beacon of entrepreneurial success. Established in the early 80s amid a scarcity of essential commodities like flour, the vision of Mr. Mitford Ward has flourished into a transformative venture rooted in tradition and innovation.

With a product lineup encompassing ten items, including Corn Flour, Plantain Flour, and Sweet Potato Flour, Wardy’s caters to local palates while meeting the rising demand for gluten-free alternatives. However, this journey wasn’t without its challenges.

Crucially, Wardy’s journey received a significant boost through a strategic partnership with the Small Business Bureau, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. With SBB’s support, Mr. Ward overcame financial hurdles, accessing a grant for raw materials and benefiting from access to an industrial dehydrator at the Belvedere Business Incubator Centre (BBIC) that slashed drying times, preserving product quality.

Reflecting on this partnership, Mr. Ward emphasized the transformative impact: “Before the Incubator Centre, it took three days for one batch of production. Now, I achieve triple that output in the same timeframe.” This underscores the pivotal role of government initiatives like the Belvedere Incubator Centre, fulfilling promises to empower small businesses.