Commerce
Easier to start. Easier to trade.
Licensing, trade policy, finance and standards: the Ministry and its agencies help businesses of every size start, grow and sell at home and abroad.
Business support
What you can get
- Department of CommerceImport and export licensingLicences under the Trade Act Cap. 91:01, issued within 24 hours at no cost once your goods are endorsed.How to get a licence
- Small Business BureauSmall business grantsGrants from GYD 200,000 to GYD 500,000, based on eligibility, for small and medium enterprises in manufacturing and services.Business support at sbb.gov.gy
- Small Business BureauLoan guarantee schemeA credit guarantee programme for loans of up to GYD 30,000,000, approved and disbursed by Republic Bank Guyana and GBTI.Loans at sbb.gov.gy
- Small Business BureauBusiness Incubator CentresShared offices with utilities, supplies, IT and internet, plus mentoring, marketing, product development, finance and legal support for early-stage start-ups.Incubators at Belvedere and Lethem
- GNBSStandards, metrology and complianceVerification of weighing and measuring devices, calibration and testing, product certification, auditing, and inspection of goods under compulsory national standards.About the GNBS
- GNBSTechnical assistance and trainingConsultancy on ISO standards: quality management principles, risk management, procedure writing, documented information and ISO 9001:2015 records.Training at the GNBS
Help desks
Ask the Ministry
The Department of Commerce runs a Help Desk with tailored advice for businesses and investors. Trade questions, complaints and suggestions can also go through the online Trade Helpdesk portal.
Free toolkit
#DigitalInMotion
Eight practical guides, with templates, spreadsheets and videos, to help small businesses sell on WhatsApp, take digital payments, manage their money and run greener, fairer workplaces.
Get the guidesInvestment and permits
Agencies and departments
Who does this work
- DepartmentDepartment of CommercePromote sustainable investment, trade and the ease of doing businessContact and services
- UnitBusiness Strategy and Policy UnitPolicy and reform for an enabling business environmentContact and services
AgencySmall Business BureauPromoting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses nationwideContact and services- DepartmentNational Exhibition CentreA stage for Guyanese products and the MICE industryContact and services
Not sure where to start?
Call the Business Help Desk for tailored advice on licences, registration and investment, or send the Ministry a message.