Development Finance Ltd hoping to fund 3,000 entrepreneurs this year

Development Finance Lim-ited South America (DFLSA) says it hopes to create 3000 micro and small enterprises in two years and finance more Guyanese businesses.

In a press release, the company said it recently reappointed Wilfredo ‘Willie’ Garcia as its Microfin Country Manager and appointed Gillian Griffith operations manager to help it to achieve these goals. DFLSA said Garcia is an international finance specialist with more than 18 years of experience in south-east Asia and the South Pacific countries. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Small Enterprise Promotion and International Assistance. Garcia, at his Church Street office said, “Our operations in Guyana are constantly changing to keep up with whatever a business owner can dream up! DFLSA will soon lead the microfinance industry in the Caribbean to a new level and I’d like to be a part of that.”

The company says it shares Garcia’s observation of a very potential and dynamic micro, small and medium enterprise sector here and “as more Guyanese are provided business opportunities, its Microfin department should also be ready to reach into new sectors especially in the rural areas.” To facilitate this, the DFLSA said, it is using the latest technologies in its Guyana operations; upbeat lending procedures, combined with the latest computer software and hardware are being put in place and should be completed in 2007. The company hopes to finance 3000 business entrepreneurs this year.

Garcia, commenting on Griffith’s appointment said “Any microfinance operation needs local management which understands the culture and market. Gillian’s appointment