Over 500 businesses have already applied to benefit from COVID-19 relief grants from the Ministry of Business  through the Small Business Bureau, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

DPI said that de facto Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar also disclosed that a new agency has been set up to organise aid for small businesses and farmers.

The Coordinating Agency for Small Enterprises (CASE) was set up under the leadership of caretaker President David Granger and is aimed at supporting farmers and small business owners and employees.

Rajkumar said that the coalition government is encouraging citizens to buy more locally produced products to support small businesses and to stimulate Guyana’s economy.

The council of Ministers has approved the use of local products procured from small businesses, farmers and agro-processors for use by the Civil Defence Commission during their hamper relief distribution exercises, DPI added.