The PPP/C government has allocated US$100 million in Budget 2026 for the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This represents a US$100M less than what was initially revealed to the press last year by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
In his budget presentation on Monday, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh noted that under the programme, SMEs, young entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities will have access to micro-credit loans of up to $3 million at zero interest and with no collateral requirement for targeted sectors. The initiative also pairs loans with mentorship and training to support business growth and sustainability.
According to Dr Singh, the Government will implement a co-investment model, allowing SMEs to access an additional $7 million at preferential rates from participating commercial banks, with fiscal incentives extended to the banks similar to those granted for low-income housing. The programme is designed to strengthen the SME ecosystem and promote community-based economic development across Guyana.