As Guyana continues on a trajectory of rapid economic expansion, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is positioning micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to take full advantage of the current and emerging opportunities.
The Chamber will host its flagship Business Development Forum this Thursday and Friday, under the theme “Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future.” The two-day event is designed to equip MSMEs with the tools, insights, and networks they need to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment, and align their operations with the country’s evolving economic priorities.
President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, said the forum is part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to support the private sector, particularly MSMEs, in transitioning from survival to growth through increased access to knowledge, financing, and policy alignment.
“The Business Development Forum is about preparation,” Smith said. “With the government’s focus on diversifying the economy, investment into infrastructure, as well as the thriving energy sector, this is the time for businesses to position themselves, understand where the opportunities lie, and plan how to invest wisely,” she stated.
The forum will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and development partners for two days of informative discussions and networking sessions focused on finance, sustainability, diversification, local market penetration, and export readiness. It will also feature expert presentations and practical guidance on how enterprises can build resilience and tap into emerging growth sectors beyond oil and gas.
Support desks will also be available to provide one-on-one consultations on financing, business development, and market compliance, giving MSMEs a direct avenue to guidance and technical assistance. Smith said the GCCI’s vision is to make the Forum a practical, results-oriented space rather than a ceremonial one.
She posited, “Too often, small businesses attend events but leave without next steps. This forum will be different,” she explained. “We’re curating sessions that point directly to funding sources, business tools, and export pathways that MSMEs can act on.” She added that the initiative forms part of GCCI’s broader mission to strengthen private-sector capacity and ensure that local enterprises are ready to compete both regionally and globally.
“Our MSMEs are the heart of Guyana’s private sector—they employ people, drive innovation, and sustain communities,” Smith said. “As the economy continues to grow, the GCCI is focused on ensuring that these businesses are not just spectators, but active participants in Guyana’s success story.”
The Business Development Forum 2025 is expected to attract participants from across Guyana’s business landscape and will provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among enterprises preparing for the opportunities of 2026 and beyond.
