As women-led enterprises continue to expand their influence across Guyana’s energy sector, the need for targeted support and guidance has become increasingly clear.
In response, SLB successfully hosted its first Women-Owned Business Supplier Forum – an initiative designed to amplify the progress of these businesses by offering insights into the sector’s structure, expectations and opportunities with a particular focus on SLB’s supply chain ecosystem.
The forum, hosted with the generous support of the Centre for Local Business Development and held at the Centre’s premises, brought together over 50 women-owned businesses from across Guyana, including both established suppliers and those exploring entry into the energy sector, for a collaborative dialogue with SLB’s Supply Chain Team.
Participants lauded SLB’s efforts for this pioneering event, the first of its kind in Guyana. They were happy to gain clarity on procurement processes, upcoming 2026 Requests for Information (RFIs), and pathways for supplier qualification, with the overall aim of equipping them to engage confidently with opportunities in the sector.
SLB Guyana’s Managing Director, Paul Hosein, emphasized the importance of diversity in the energy industry, stating, “At SLB, we believe that people are at the heart of everything we do, and that includes ensuring women have equitable access to opportunities within Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy sector.
This Women-Owned Business Supplier Forum is a direct reflection of our local content commitment and our role within the Wells Alliance partnership, which prioritises sustainable, inclusive growth,” he said.
He added, “We want to connect directly with women entrepreneurs to help them understand how to participate in our procurement processes. We hope that initiatives like these can help break down the barriers that often limit access to the industry. A strong, diverse local supply chain strengthens Guyana’s position in the region, and empowering women-owned businesses is an essential part of that progress.”
Structured as an interactive, solutions-driven session, the forum encouraged participants to ask questions, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections. The session also allowed participants to hear directly from SLB leadership on the company’s commitment to local business development.
In addition to insights from SLB, two established women-owned suppliers who provide services to SLB Guyana shared their experiences, offering practical guidance and real-world perspectives on building successful partnerships within the industry.
The women, Urica Primus of Stabroek Solutions and Odessa Ford of Quik Access Business Services, highlighted achievable steps for integrating local businesses into supply chains and reinforced that meaningful opportunities are open to all, emphasizing that there is space for every entrepreneur to grow while collectively contributing to the development of Guyana’s energy sector.
While these discussions highlighted immediate opportunities, the forum is part of SLB’s broader commitment to developing local business capacity.
Initiatives like these allow SLB to champion diversity, inclusion, and long-term growth within Guyana’s energy sector. Beyond SLB, the event underscores the importance of creating spaces where women-owned businesses can engage openly, share expertise, and gain visibility.
Progress often begins quietly, with one forum, one conversation, one opportunity at a time. Still, its impact has the power to reshape the industry landscape, and this initiative is a clear example of SLB’s efforts in that direction.
