One hundred youth entrepreneurs are now equipped with sustainable, eco-friendly business management skills through the ENGAGE Project – a pilot initiative implemented to support a new generation of changemakers.
The entrepreneurs, who hail from Regions Three and Six, graduated at a ceremony hosted at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Saturday.
This transformative initiative is led by Recover Guyana, in collaboration with Scotiabank and Van Oord, to inspire and equip Guyana’s youth to lead in environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship, creating impactful, eco-friendly businesses.
Through a series of tailored workshops on financial literacy, sustainable business management, and mentorship, the project’s pilot phase has empowered participants with the skills and knowledge needed to innovate and succeed in Guyana’s green economy.
As part of the programme’s commitment to nurturing green entrepreneurship, seed funding totalling two million Guyana dollars was awarded to 15 outstanding participants with innovative green business ideas.
Participants were provided with the necessary resources to help turn their eco-friendly ventures into thriving enterprises that contribute to Guyana’s economic growth and transformation.
A participant from the Region Three cohort, Devi Sarju-Sylvester, said the project has transformed the way participants view business and environmental responsibility.
“In less than three months, we learned how to start and manage our own businesses while making meaningful, eco-conscious decisions,” she noted.
Jamal Butcher, an aspiring entrepreneur and participant of the Region Three cohort, said: “I’ve come to realise that simple, everyday choices like using recyclable packaging, reusing materials, and adopting sustainable farming practices can make a powerful difference in turning a business into a genuinely green enterprise.”
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President and Founder of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo, said the graduates have demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability and the drive to turn their ideas into meaningful businesses.
Senior Manager of the Country Management Office at Scotiabank, Justin Thompson, said the bank believes in providing opportunities for youth to discover their full potential, noting that the partnership serves as a springboard for many young people to make progress in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Through the ENGAGE Project, Recover Guyana will train one thousand youth nationwide, with Regions Four and Five slated for upcoming implementation.
Devi Sarju-Sylvester receives her training certificate
