Several exhibitors say the just-concluded Business Exposition 2015 lacked the necessary components for the networking and marketing needed by small businesses, including the expected attendance.
The three-day expo was hosted at the National Exhibition Centre, at Sophia, under the theme, “Guyana’s Products and Services – our Gateway to the Good Life.”
Exhibitors reported that business was steady for the three days, but the overall consensus was that for the event was not much more than a trade fair.
Kimberly Dick, of Bop Tail Enterprises, which specialises in designed mailboxes, said interest was incredible from other businesses and one customer. Asked what the response had been from large hardware stores looking to acquire new product lines, she noted that there had been no interaction at that level. In fact, she said there was little to no marketing and that there wasn’t a structure set up that would introduce small businesses to larger scale businesses that could incorporate products into their catalogues.
Norma Ferreira went to the expo with the intention of finding markets for her Amerindian craft. She said there was a steady stream of minimal traffic and business was slow and she did not attract the level of interest that she had hoped for. She said given the emphasis being placed on the expo and local products, some provisions should have been made to encourage and assist with marketing.
She did note that a representative from Invest Saint Lucia had shown interest and that she would needed follow up on it.
Claudette Croft and Roxanne Beresford, of Prophecy Air Freshener, told Stabroek News that with assistance from the
