54 women receive $300,000 business grants to launch or expand enterprises

Fifty-four women from across the country on Monday received business grants valued at $300,000 each, in a move aimed at helping vulnerable women establish or grow their own enterprises and achieve financial independence.

The grants were distributed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Canadian High Commission.

Ten of the fifty-four women were handed over cheques at a simple ceremony held at the Umana Yana on Monday.

The beneficiaries, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, successfully completed training under the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIN) programme.

In delivering remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said the initiative is designed to move women “from a place of dependency to independence,” noting that the programme is already transforming lives.

“These women come from various regions across Guyana. These women have also come through the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIN) and these women come from three categories, persons who experience the horrors of trafficking in persons, persons who are survivors of violence and all that violence brings and women who want better for themselves,” Dr Persaud said.

Each of the women developed a business plan as part of the training process, with the grants now providing the capital needed to either start a new venture or expand an existing micro or small enterprise.

Dr. Persaud emphasized the broader national importance of women’s economic participation, stating that “if we don’t harness the energy, talent, the skills and the potential of women we are excluding half of our country’s population in essence.” She assured the recipients of continued support, telling them, “we are here to hold your hand in every step of the way.”

The ministry will monitor the progress of each business to ensure that the funds are used in accordance with their approved plans and that the goal of gender inclusion and equality is achieved.

IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solorzano Salazar, described the initiative as a sign of growing commitment to financial inclusion and support for women-led businesses.

“When you invest in a woman you invest in the community,” she said, adding that the programme’s expansion from individual entrepreneurship to consortiums and partnerships will improve market access and long-term sustainability.

She noted that the grants are expected to translate into increased household income and more resilient businesses, creating a ripple effect that benefits families and communities alike.