Support for businesses, investors and oil and gas suppliers

General information only. Programmes open and close. Check with each agency for current rounds, amounts and rules.

Small Business Bureau (SBB)

Who counts as a small business. SBB says a small business meets all three of these: no more than 25 employees, gross annual revenue of no more than G$60 million, and total business assets of no more than G$20 million ^[1].

Becoming a registered SBB client ^[1]

• ID card or valid passport
• NIS card
• TIN certificate
• Updated business registration
• Food handler's certificate or other operational licence, if one applies
• GRA compliance
• NIS compliance

Grants. SBB's FAQ says a grant is one time only, that a cash flow projection is needed even if the business has not started, and that organisations with any government control cannot apply ^[1]. Grant amounts and open rounds were not shown on the pages we checked, so check with SBB.

Loan guarantees ^[2]. Under its Credit Guarantee Programme, SBB guarantees small business development loans up to G$30,000,000, covering up to 40% of collateral for first-time borrowers and up to 70% for repeat borrowers. The participating banks named on SBB's page are Republic Bank Guyana and GBTI. Applicants must be registered SBB clients and provide business registration, ID, TIN, a business plan (for start-ups or businesses under 12 months old), quotations, a collateral valuation, GRA and NIS compliance, and a CreditInfo report. SBB interviews the applicant and visits the business before referring the loan to the bank ^[2].

GO-Invest (Guyana Office for Investment)

GO-Invest is a government agency, not a private company, that promotes and facilitates investment and exports. It serves both local and foreign investors and projects of all sizes ^[3]. It says it:

• guides investors through steps, incentives and approvals;
• does not provide funding or loans; and
• does not negotiate private deals between parties ^[3].

To start, contact GO-Invest at invest@guyanainvest.gov.gy, 592-225-0658, or visit 190 Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown. Office hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 16:30, Friday 8:00 to 15:30 ^[3].

Foreign-owned businesses still register with DCRA (as a local company or an external company) and with GRA. See Business name or company.

Local Content Register (oil and gas suppliers)

Under section 6(2) of the Local Content Act No. 18 of 2021, a Guyanese national or Guyanese company may apply to the Local Content Secretariat for a Certificate of Registration to supply goods or services for petroleum operations ^[4]. Only registered suppliers count toward contractors' minimum local content levels ^[4].

Who qualifies ^[4]

• A Guyanese national: a citizen of Guyana.
• A Guyanese company: incorporated under the Companies Act, at least 51% beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals, with Guyanese holding at least 75% of executive and senior management posts and at least 90% of other posts. Some partnerships also qualify.

How to apply. Create an account on the Local Content Portal, verify your email, complete the form and upload documents in the order set out by the Secretariat ^[5][6]. For a sole proprietorship the list includes a cover letter, business registration, GRA and NIS compliance, the owner's TIN certificate, ID, and an employee details spreadsheet. Companies provide incorporation papers, TIN and NIS certificates, compliance certificates, a certified beneficial ownership declaration, annual returns, audited financial statements, share records and an organisational chart ^[6]. No fee was shown in these documents; check with the Secretariat.

Contact: +592-225-8318, +592-703-8345, Lcregistration@nre.gov.gy, 116-117 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown ^[6].