Three young entrepreneurs residing in Region 10 are now financially empowered to start or expand their businesses. This was made possible at the INFO 10 Small Business Development Exposition and Pitch Competition that was held on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre. Out of 40 applications, 15 were shortlisted as finalists pitched confidently in an effort to convince the four judges that their businesses are deserving of the investment. 
Emerging winners for the existing category were Zoe Sills, representative of ‘Issa Snack Shop’ which is a snackette managed by four young women in South Mackenzie while Jalicia Thompson of Legacy Beauty Studio, a natural hair care service provider, emerged in second place. Crystal Nichols of Vision Landscaping emerged winner of the start-up category.
In 2021, the inaugural Business Development Exposition and Pitch competition was held by INFO 10 in an effort to empower young business owners and potential entrepreneurs in Region 10, who have pursued entrepreneurship or are considering pursuing, with the technical support and funding to either expand or materialize their business idea. Scores of young and potential entrepreneurs benefited from a wide array of knowledge and networking capacity. 
The initiative brings all the agencies dealing with business development such as funding, technical support, networking, oil and gas, taxes, accounting, marketing and much more, under one roof for the participants to benefit from the knowledge. In addition, a mentoring session was held to further provide knowledge on entrepreneurship and navigating a tough market.
The Expo also saw scores of businesses, particularly local manufacturers and producers exhibit their products. Pam’s Coconut Oil Products won the prize for the best booth presented.
With continuous efforts to diversify the economy of Region 10, which no longer can rely on bauxite mining, entrepreneurship remains a vital formula to diversification. INFO 10 said it will continue to work along with the necessary stakeholders such as the Small Business Bureau and the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development, to see the transformation of the business sector in Region 10.
The initiative was sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank, the People’s Republic of China, the Small Business Bureau, the Home Safe Security Services, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana and Jagmohan’s Construction Services.
