The opportunity for small businesses and others to market local products on the national and international market has now grown with the introduction of the Stabroek Online Market – a new online platform.
It was officially launched on Tuesday at the Mariott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
The platform promises efficiency, transparency and a seamless customer experience.
“Our aim is to enable local companies to optimise business transactions locally, increase their visibility both locally and internationally, capture new market share and increase revenue opportunities,” Althea Toney, Chief Executive Officer of Stabroek Online, explained.
She explained the platform was created with Guyanese businesses in mind to facilitate buying and selling across the regional and international markets.
The platform also includes other features such as Stabroek Travel – an e-booking platform for accommodation for local tourists.
Toney explained that they are offering a cutting-edge web application with payment options and diverse shipping and delivery options.
The Stabroek Online Market will go live on May 19 but has already registered several businesses.
“We also set out to offer a platform to visitors and Guyanese at home and abroad to do business in Guyana,” Toney revealed as she noted that the platform hopes to be a model for e-commerce in Guyana.
It is the first national e-commerce platform for the country that empowers small and large businesses to trade in the international market space.
“Stabroek marketplace is here to ensure that every business has an equal opportunity to compete in the current economic landscape. Imagine being able to buy from cassava bread to timber with just one click from any part of the world, this is all possible with Stabroek market place,” Toney stated.
Toney assured that the payment platform is safe and secure and is in compliance with international safety standards.
The platform is open to all registered businesses.
“Each business that registers we would require that those businesses are tax compliant,” Toney explained.
She is also encouraging the ‘Made in Guyana’ standard for all businesses, noting that this will become a requirement over time.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, lauded the initiative and said it is expected to energise and catapult local manufacturers to trade their products around the world.
“This initiative is completely supported by the Chamber and it coincides at the precise time with the National Small Business Week,” Tucker said.
Meanwhile, Director of Business with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, John Edghill said he would love to see the participation of small businesses in rural and hinterland communities.
