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March 10, 2026
Ten entrepreneurs have each received $1 million in grant funding from Demerara Bank Limited after emerging as winners of the 2025–2026 DBL Innovation Tank programme.
The initiative, launched in September 2025 as part of the bank’s $10 million corporate social responsibility commitment, was designed to support early-stage businesses and startups through non-repayable funding, mentorship and business development support.
More than 200 entrepreneurs from across Guyana submitted applications for the programme, presenting business ideas aimed at solving problems, creating opportunities and building sustainable enterprises.
Following an evaluation process, 23 entrepreneurs were shortlisted and advanced to the programme’s development phase, where they received mentorship, technical training and business guidance from partner organisations including the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana and the Centre for Local Business Development.
The competition concluded on March 7, 2026, when finalists presented their business ideas on Pitch Day before a panel of judges comprising banking experts.
The judges assessed the presentations based on criteria including innovation, market demand, business viability, financial readiness, scalability potential and social and environmental impact.
Demerara Bank said the quality of the presentations reflected the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Guyana.
“We were truly impressed by the level of creativity, preparation and determination displayed by the participants,” the bank said, noting that the ideas presented highlighted a new generation of entrepreneurs eager to contribute to the country’s economic development.
The 10 winning ventures selected for funding are: Ruth Pendleton of Divine Preserves, Da Costa Aboagye of ProElevate Sports Agency, Nadeen Dejonge of Agri Organics & Solutions, Winton Camacho of Aqua Greens Guyana, Kevin Higgins of Farm For Christ, Kayteram Prasaud of Legacy Shine Automotive, Andre Sargeant of Selector Andre Entertainment, Delon Simpson of Kukki Agriculture, Ann Marie Machado of Auto Climate Solutions and Sherman Gonsalves of G. Reclaim, Recycle & Construction.
Each entrepreneur will receive $1 million in grant funding, along with continued mentorship and opportunities to connect with networks that can support the growth of their businesses.
Demerara Bank said the Innovation Tank is intended to encourage the development of small businesses capable of creating employment and contributing to a stronger and more diverse economy.
The bank added that it plans to continue the initiative through the 2026–2027 DBL Innovation Tank, with plans to expand the programme and increase funding allocations to support more entrepreneurs in the future.
