Filisha Duke, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Sure Gig Inc., established the company in 2016 to create a legacy that would outlive her while providing meaningful opportunities for others. “From a tender age, it was always my dream one day to own my own company,” Duke recalled, driven by her desire to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Initially, Sure Gig focused on human resources services like resume vetting and career coaching, a novel concept in Guyana before the oil and gas boom. Despite numerous rejections, Duke said she persevered. Her determination paid off in 2017 when she secured a contract with an international logistics firm in Miami, marking Sure Gig’s entry into the logistics sector. This contract opened the door for Sure Gig to expand its operations, leading to the establishment of its first office in Guyana.
By 2024, Sure Gig had grown into a “multifaceted” company offering a range of services including staffing, recruiting, air and ocean shipment, ground transportation, and more, particularly catering to the needs of companies in Guyana’s burgeoning oil sector. Duke underscored the importance of local content in their operations, saying, “I am personally passionate about assisting as many of my Guyanese brothers and sisters gain employment or opportunities that are fair in wages and working conditions.”
Training and capacity building have been integral to Sure Gig’s growth. Duke has ensured that both she and her team are well-equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving oil and gas sector. “We have implemented a plan to continuously build the capacity of our company in the financial space, knowledge, and specialized certification,” she explained. Duke has personally participated in programs like the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) and AccelerateHer – a Greater Guyana Initiative – which have provided her with valuable insights into running a successful business. Sure Gig has also engaged in various training programs focused on oil and gas, procurement, human resources, and finance, ensuring the team is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the industry.
One key milestone was obtaining the MLC 2006 certification, a crucial step that positioned Sure Gig to operate within the oil and gas sector. Duke emphasized that this process of learning and certification is ongoing, as the company continues to adapt to the sector’s demands.
Operating in Guyana’s competitive oil and gas industry has not been without challenges. Access to finance for large projects and the difficulty of being a young female business owner in a male-dominated space are among the hurdles Duke has faced. However, a partnership with New Hayven Merchant Bank-Guyana has significantly improved Sure Gig’s financial capacity, enabling the company to bid for larger projects. “Despite the many abilities we may have to offset a project, Finance is crucial to successfully executing these projects,” Duke stated.
Sure Gig’s growth has been accompanied by a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company’s “Creating Champions” initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided “thousands” of students across Guyana with school supplies. This initiative, now in its fifth year, is part of Duke’s broader effort to support the community and promote local content.
Looking ahead, Duke envisions further expansion and international certification for Sure Gig as Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to grow. “Our plans are beyond what anyone can imagine,” she said, hinting at upcoming developments that will further solidify Sure Gig’s role in the industry and create more opportunities for Guyanese workers.
