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Guyanese entrepreneur builds one of New York’s largest home care agencies, expands across the U.S. Nov 05, 2025 News By Tracey Khan (Kaieteur News) – From humble beginnings in Guyana to leading one of New York’s fastest-growing home care agencies, Navin Shivpal is living proof that the American dream is still within reach for those who lead with purpose. Shivpal, a proud Guyanese immigrant, started Cottage Home Care Services just before the pandemic in a small Queens, New York office. Five years later, his agency now employs over 3,000 caregivers, serves thousands of families across New York, and is expanding to several U.S. states, including New Jersey, Maryland, and Michigan, with plans to enter Delaware, St. Louis, and Connecticut next year. Recently, Shivpal celebrated another milestone: the grand opening of Cottage Home Care’s newest branch on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, a hub that not only provides quality care but also honours the Caribbean heritage of the communities it serves. “This isn’t just about business,” Shivpal said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s about helping humanity. We’re expanding across states not to make a profit, but to give people opportunity, training, and stability.” A Mission Rooted in Compassion and Culture Under Shivpal’s leadership, Cottage Home Care has become known for blending compassion with cultural competence, an approach that resonates deeply in New York’s diverse neighbourhoods. Chief Operating Officer, Nusrat Shova said the company’s training programs, the Brooklyn Institute of Vocational Training in Queens and the Care Guide Training Institute in Brooklyn, prepare aspiring home health aides for meaningful careers. “We started with three people, and now we’re one of the biggest,” Shova said. “But the goal has always been the same, to lift people through care and opportunity.” Honoring Caribbean Excellence The grand opening brought together elected officials, community leaders, and cultural advocates from across New York’s Caribbean diaspora for a day of celebration. Council Member Rita Joseph, who represents Flatbush, praised Cottage for its personalized, people-first approach. “When it comes to home care, everything isn’t cookie-cutter; it’s customized to the needs of the patient,” Joseph said. Claire Patterson-Monah, Interim Executive Director of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, highlighted the importance of cultural understanding in caregiving. “When caregivers understand their clients’ favorite foods, music, and traditions — from roti to reggae, it transforms the experience,” she said. “Culturally competent care brings comfort, joy, and connection.” Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council called Cottage Home Care “a model of care with soul,” while State Senator Kevin Parker praised its expansion as “an investment in health, community, and self-reliance.” “You’re not just creating an entity,” Parker said. “You’re doing God’s work.” Building Opportunity and Legacy Branch Manager Sharmella Persaud, also of Caribbean descent, said Shivpal’s success has inspired many immigrant workers to pursue leadership in healthcare. “Many of us are immigrants and see him as a role model,” she said. “He built this company from scratch in just five years, and he’s never forgotten where he came from.” The ceremony concluded with performances by Caribbean entertainers Michael Ignatius and Fiona Singh, who brought the celebration to life through music, dance, and cultural pride. For Shivpal, Cottage Home Care’s growth is not just a business achievement; it’s a calling. “This is more than home care,” he said. “It’s about building trust, honouring heritage, and taking care of our own.” Cottage Home Care, Guyanese entrepreneur, home care agencies, Navin Shivpal
