Six persons with disabilities get small loans 

Six persons living with disabilities on Wednesday received loans totaling $3 million. The cheques were handed over by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues and Permanent Secretary, Roger Rogers at the Small Business Bureau.

The loans were secured through a revolving fund specifically designed to support entrepreneurs living with disabilities, providing them with access to loans of up to GYD $500,000 with zero collateral, zero interest, and a repayment period of up to four years. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Minister Rodrigues noted that the initiative reflects the government’s ‘One Guyana’ philosophy, which prioritizes inclusivity regardless of race, gender, geography, or physical ability.

“At its core, this fund is about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability or disability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

The Minister commended the diversity of ventures among the new beneficiaries, which include businesses in cellphone and accessories, landscaping, catering, and retail. She emphasized that sustainability and accountability are critical to the fund’s continued success.

“This revolving fund creates a cycle of empowerment, where each success story contributes to the empowerment of others, thereby creating a self-sustaining engine of progress.”

She further assured recipients that the Ministry’s monitoring and evaluation team will follow up to track their progress and provide ongoing support.

“We must map your progress and provide the additional support needed along the way, so that these businesses are not only established, but positioned for growth,” she explained.

Since its inception in 2023, the fund has disbursed 41 loans valued at more than GYD $20 million. For 2025 alone, 14 loans totaling GYD $7 million have already been issued.

Minister Rodrigues urged beneficiaries to make the best use of this opportunity.

“I encourage you to utilize these funds wisely and for their intended purpose. I look forward to hearing your success stories and to seeing the sustained growth of this fund, so that many more can benefit in the years ahead.” (Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce press release)