More support for women agro-processors through new partnership

Guyanese agro-processors will benefit from business advisory and support services meant to help improve and expand their businesses through a new partnership among ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc (ACI), the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA).

The partnership leverages a Bankability Fund for Women which has been developed by the renowned Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and ACI, and financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab,

See the full press release below:

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (ACI) and the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Join Forces to Empower GMSA’s Agro-Processing Members through the Bankability Fund for Women (BF4W)

The BF4W is an equity financing mechanism developed by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (CBFW), ACI and financed by IDB Lab.

ACI is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration between the BF4W and the GMSA which provides business advisory and support services to Agro-Processers in the GMSA’s membership. The BF4W initiative focuses on equipping members with vital resources, financial advice, and technical assistance to improve their bankability and promote sustainable growth. This collaboration with GMSA represents a significant milestone in creating an inclusive and empowering business environment.

Key Objectives of the BF4W Collaboration:

1. Financial Support: Offering tailored financial solutions to women entrepreneurs to help them scale their businesses and increase their access to capital.
2. Capacity Building: Providing comprehensive training and mentorship programs to enhance the business acumen and leadership skills of entrepreneurs.
3. Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and industry leaders, investors, and other key stakeholders to promote collaboration and growth.
4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring robust legal protections helps protect the business from legal risks, ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations, and secures intellectual property and contractual agreements.
5. Operations and Process Improvement: Streamlining business processes enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, and improves product or service quality. This leads to increased operational efficiency, higher customer satisfaction, and reduced waste and excess costs.

This collaboration between the BF4W and the GMSA underscores a shared commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving ecosystem for GMSA members. By working together, we are poised to make significant strides in advancing economic empowerment and driving sustainable development for businesses across Guyana. The collaboration is fully supported by IDB Lab.

IDB Lab is the innovation and venture laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. Its purpose is to discover new ways to drive social inclusion, environmental action, and productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Lab leverages financing, knowledge, and connections to support early-stage entrepreneurship, foster the development of new technologies, activate innovative markets, and catalyze existing sectors