Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, today officially opened the Ministry’s Community Business Clinic at the Westminster Secondary School, describing the initiative as a “one-stop shop” designed to deliver critical services and support directly to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
This marks the first Community Business Clinic being held by the Ministry in 2026.
The Clinic brings together a wide cross-section of government agencies and departments, allowing participants to access guidance, complete key processes, and receive expert advice in a single location.
Among the agencies on the ground are the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Guyana Tourism Authority, and Small Business Bureau, alongside the Local Content Secretariat, Guyana Revenue Authority, Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, National Insurance Scheme, and the Ministry’s Department of Commerce.
Delivering remarks at the opening, Minister Rodrigues emphasised that the Community Business Clinic reflects Government’s commitment to reducing barriers to doing business by decentralising services and making them more accessible.
She noted that small business owners often face challenges navigating multiple agencies and processes, and initiatives like this are designed to simplify that experience.
Also present was Thandi McAllister, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, who addressed participants and highlighted the importance of government support for entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Participants at the Clinic are able to receive assistance with business registration, compliance requirements, standards and certification, access to financing opportunities, taxation guidance, and consumer protection, among other services.
The initiative also provides a platform for direct engagement with technical officers, enabling tailored advice and real-time problem-solving.
Several other Business Clinics have been planned for other regions, across the country throughout the year.
