Over 30 visually-impaired persons trained in small business development

Entrepreneurs with disabilities are being equipped with the tools to achieve financial independence and actively participate in Guyana’s growing economy through a targeted small business training initiative. The workshop hosted by the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) in collaboration with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and supported by ExxonMobil Guyana launched on Tuesday at the National Library and brought together more than 30 participants who are blind or visually impaired.

Community Relations Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, described the initiative as part of a commitment to inclusive development. “… for us at ExxonMobil Guyana, our community investment strategy centres on several things. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, economic development, and building healthy and cohesive communities. Our aim is to ensure that our approach is inclusive,” he said. Programme Manager of GCOPD, Ganesh Singh, explained that this training is part of an expanded vision of the Orientation and Mobility Programme, which was launched in 2022 to teach independent living skills. It has since evolved to include entrepreneurship, job preparedness and access to financial support.

“When someone is registered and receives training through this programme, they don’t just leave with independent living skills, but they leave with hope of a brighter future. We refer our beneficiaries either to our vocational skills training programme component where they can access programmes through the Board of Industrial Training, or the Basic Needs Trust Fund,” Ganesh explained. The opportunities include grants and loans through SBB, as well as additional pathways for skill development through national programmes.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBB, Simon Pollard, emphasised that entrepreneurship can be transformative for persons with disabilities.

He said, “Today’s engagement is more than just a training session. It is a step forward in breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and creating meaningful pathways for persons with disability to participate fully in economic activities. At the Small Business Bureau, we firmly believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool. We recognise that persons with disability possess immense talents, creativity, with the right support, access to resources and an enabling environment, there are no limits to what can be achieved.”

Pollard highlighted that the bureau offers collateral-free, interest-free loans up to $500,000 for persons with disabilities, along with larger financing options through partner banks.

Meanwhile, the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kathy Smith, underscored the importance of inclusion in Guyana’s development.

She highlighted, “When we talk about development in Guyana, I want to believe this is what it looks like. This is what it looks like, where everybody has a space in this economy. It includes persons who are blind or visually impaired being given the opportunity to be contributors, entrepreneurs and leaders.” Smith also signalled the private sector’s willingness to deepen collaboration to support entrepreneurs with disabilities, ensuring access to tools, networks and markets. “From a private sector standpoint, we have realised that our responsibility is clear. We must build systems that are accessible, opportunities that are fair and spaces where people can truly participate,” she added.

For participants like Kendra Burns, the training is already making a tangible difference.

Having benefited from a previous cohort, Burns is now running her own business and encouraging others to follow suit. “The training helps us: it helped me, and today I’m able to encourage you to be on board. I know that because of our disability, mainly those who are blind, we might be a little timid. But with skills and with wisdom, it can be done. I like to tell people that we adjust in a different way,” she said, encouraging her fellow entrepreneurs.

The initiative also places strong emphasis on building networks and community support, encouraging participants to collaborate, share experiences, and grow together.