The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) has launched a six-week mentorship programme aimed at equipping young Guyanese with the skills and support needed to start or grow a business. President of RCGC for the 2026/2027 term Keisha Chung said the Youth in Action – Entrepreneurship Mentorship Project reflects Rotary’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people in Guyana’s expanding economy.
The programme was launched on Friday at the IPED Board Room on South Road. It targets young people aged 17 to 25 who either own a business or are interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Applications opened on Friday and close on August 12, with organisers encouraging eligible young people from across Guyana to apply.
“Today, we’re here to focus on the youth and to build them, to get them to the point where they can be actively involved in this fastest-growing economy called Guyana,” Chung said.
She said that while Rotary is internationally known for humanitarian work including education, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, environmental protection and peacebuilding, the organisation is placing strong emphasis on youth development through entrepreneurship.
The programme will pair participants with mentors from Rotary’s membership and the business community, offering one-on-one coaching in entrepreneurship, financial management, leadership, human resource management, business planning and professional development.
Club Service Projects Chair Cecil Maxwell said the project was designed to move beyond classroom-style business training by providing personalised mentorship.
“The Youth in Action Mentorship and Training Programme is a fully packed six-week programme. Many young entrepreneurs say they’re tired of simply attending classes, so we wanted to ensure they benefit from one-on-one mentorship with experienced professionals from our Rotary family,” Maxwell said.
He said the initiative is open to young people with viable business ideas who need guidance to get started, in addition to existing business owners. Maxwell said the programme will initially accommodate 40 participants selected through an application process, adding that organisers are seeking corporate sponsorship to expand the initiative in future years.
Chung urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the programme, which is being offered free of cost.
“I remember being very fearful, very doubtful, wondering if I was doing the right things and being advised by everybody except the experts. So we want to invite you to join this programme and do not miss the opportunity because it is free. Please come out and take advantage of an opportunity to grow your business, to start a business, or even to support someone you know who has a business,” she said.
Chung said the programme is open to applicants from every region of Guyana. She said sessions are currently planned to be held in person, but organisers are prepared to introduce hybrid participation if there is significant interest from participants outside Region Four.
“There is no limit on the type of business. Whatever type of business you have, you’re welcome to join. We have people across all sectors within Rotary, and we’ll find someone to coach you,” she said.
Organisers said the programme will also help prepare young entrepreneurs to access emerging business opportunities, including assistance with applications and requirements for government-supported development initiatives. Participants will be exposed to community service activities as part of Rotary’s philosophy of combining entrepreneurship with social responsibility.
Chung said the club also hopes to develop a “Shark Tank”-style component to connect successful participants with sponsors, grants and investors to help scale promising youth-led businesses.
The initiative aligns with Rotary International’s 2026/2027 theme of “Creating Lasting Impact,” with organisers saying investment in young entrepreneurs today will produce long-term benefits for communities across Guyana.
