Last Updated on Monday, 5 October 2026, 20:50 by Writer
The Guyana Development Bank (GDB) appears not to have a walk-in office for loan applicants, but on Monday — October 5 — began operations through an online portal.
The GDB online platform is accessible at www.gdb.gov.gy, the government’s Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
The government also said that locations for physical help desks and the staff who will assist prospective applicants are expected to be announced later this week.
The DPI also reported that GDB help desks would be established at selected service centres and commercial banks, with staff available to assist persons with their applications.
A list of the locations and the staff assigned to the help desks is expected to be made public by the end of this week, the DPI also said.
Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally encouraged persons interested in accessing financing to visit the bank’s online platform, sign up and provide their relevant information.
He explained that the application process has been designed to be simple and accessible, particularly for persons seeking loans between $50,000 and $300,000.
Applicants will be required to provide their name and eID or passport number.
Persons using their eID number will have several fields automatically populated, making the Know Your Customer (KYC) process easier.
For loans above $300,000 and up to $3 million, applicants will be required to provide more detailed information on how the financing will be used, including relevant business proposals and plans.
Minister Ally said the digital process is designed to accommodate persons regardless of their level of technological experience.
Physical assistance will also be available to persons who may require help.
Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali was quoted in a separate press release as urging Guyanese to use the GDB to develop their entrepreneurial skills and proving to the commercial banking sector that they are the right persons with whom to do business.
“Commit to building yourself a credit rating that will take you to the next level. That will demonstrate to the financial system that you are ready. You are capable. And once given the opportunity, you are built for success,” he said.
“This is not a grant; this is your opportunity to earn, your opportunity to build your credit, and your pathway to participate in our national expansion. The Guyana Development Bank is about much more than providing loans. It is being designed as a complete support ecosystem that helps businesses start, grow, and succeed,” he also said.
The government said beyond financing, borrowers would have access to mentorship, training in financial stewardship and entrepreneurial skills, and extension services.
He called on interested persons to prepare their business plans, complete the application forms online and register for the training programme.
In Budget 2026, the government allocated an initial GY$20 billion for capital injection, representing the first tranche of the bank’s GY$40 billion of authorised share capital.
