Following the commissioning of the new agro-processing building at the Lethem Business Incubator Centre (LBIC), the Small Business Bureau (SBB) has successfully completed a series of targeted training programmes aimed at equipping entrepreneurs in Region 9 with the skills required to effectively manage and market their businesses.
Participants received training in Digital Readiness, Label Design, and Marketing Fundamentals, strengthening their capacity to develop strong brand identities, improve product presentation, and expand their market reach.
SBB Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, underscored the significance of the initiative, stating:
“This training programme ensures that our entrepreneurs are not only producing high-quality, value-added products, but are also equipped to compete effectively in the marketplace. By strengthening their skills in branding, packaging, and business management, we are positioning them for long-term growth and sustainability. This is how we translate infrastructure investment into real economic opportunity for the people of Region 9.”
The Digital Readiness Workshop focused on practical skill-building, enabling participants to design logos, social media banners, and promotional materials using Canva. This was complemented by the Label Design Workshop, which guided entrepreneurs in developing professional, retail-ready packaging that meets applicable standards, including the integration of barcodes and nutritional information.
As part of this process, the Bureau facilitated the printing of labels for all participants at no cost, removing a key financial barrier and enabling entrepreneurs to immediately bring professionally packaged, market-ready products to market. This service will continue to be available to entrepreneurs at a subsidised cost, ensuring ongoing access to affordable packaging solutions.
Beyond Lethem, the Bureau extended its outreach across Region 9, delivering training in Small Business Management and Financial Management and Recordkeeping in communities such as Katoka and Shulinab, ensuring broader access to essential business development support.
This initiative aligns with the Government of Guyana’s policy priorities of economic diversification, agro-processing development, and inclusive growth. By investing in both infrastructure and capacity building, the Government continues to create an enabling environment for small businesses, enhance food security, reduce reliance on imports, and promote value-added production within hinterland communities.
Through these efforts, the Small Business Bureau remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening local industries, and advancing sustainable economic development in Region 9.