IDB Invest, IPED partner to expand access to financing for micro and small businesses in Guyana

Last Updated on Friday, 16 January 2026, 22:44 by Writer

WASHINGTON – IDB Invest will provide a loan of $5 million to the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) to expand access to finance for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Guyana, the Inter-American Development (IDB) said on Friday.

“The operation will help IPED diversify its funding sources and expand access to finance with a focus on women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs. The project is expected to contribute to job creation, financial health, and sustainable development in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies,” the IDB said.

The Bank says the financing consists of two equal tranches – a loan from IDB Invest of US$2.5 million and a loan of US$2.5 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Trust Fund Achieving Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (TADAC Fund), administered by IDB.

In addition, IDB Invest will support IPED in conducting a market study, refining its strategy for micro and small businesses, and enhancing its lending capabilities for sustainability projects.

Guyana’s economy is projected to grow by 14% annually over the next five years. In this context, microfinance institutions like IPED play a critical role in enabling micro and small enterprises to participate in emerging supply chains and benefit from the country’s economic transformation.

IPED is Guyana’s leading non-bank financial institution, with a strong presence in rural areas and a proven track record of supporting entrepreneurs through credit, training, and advisory services.

This transaction reflects IDB Invest’s commitment to sustainable private sector development in Guyana and the Caribbean, the IDB said.

IDB Invest, a member of the IDB Group, is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector.

IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $22 billion in assets under management and more than 400 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries.

The Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), established in 1986, is Guyana’s leading non-bank financial institution dedicated to empowering micro, small, and growing businesses through accessible financing, training, and advisory support. With a nationwide footprint and a strong presence in rural and hinterland communities, IPED plays a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. Through its clients, IPED sustains over 10,000 jobs annually, reinforcing IPED’s contribution to inclusive economic growth. For four decades, IPED has disbursed over 140,000 loans to entrepreneurs, advancing private-sector development and improving lives across Guyana.

The JICA TADAC is a fund managed by the IDB Group, established in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to promote sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. With an initial contribution of US$1 billion, the fund seeks to catalyse private investment through co-financing of strategic projects. TADAC is JICA’s first fund with the IDB Group dedicated to the private sector and the largest in the region, strengthening BID Invest’s “originate-to-share” business model.