Over 65 students from five technical and vocational institutions have completed the inaugural Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award Programme, an initiative designed to equip young Guyanese with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and grow successful businesses.
The programme, implemented by the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, provided participants with practical training in marketing, financial management, record-keeping, business proposal writing and small business management.
With more than $8 million invested in the initiative, participants developed business proposals and pitched their ideas before a panel of judges. The 15 most viable proposals each qualified for grants of up to $400,000 to support the establishment of their businesses.
During the award ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal on Wednesday, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said entrepreneurship requires discipline, resilience and continuous learning.
She encouraged participants to treat their businesses professionally and remain committed to long-term success.
“Today doesn’t end our journey with you. We’re only just beginning. This is the start,” Minister Rodrigues told the graduates, assuring them that government agencies will continue to provide training, mentorship and financing opportunities.
The minister highlighted several measures implemented by the government to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs, including the Small Business Bureau’s Loan Guarantee Programme, the Security Interest in Movable Property Act, and the recently approved legislation establishing the Guyana Development Bank.
She reiterated that the new development bank will provide collateral-free, interest-free loans of up to $3 million, creating greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
The inaugural programme trained students from the Government Technical Institute, Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Carnegie School of Home Economics, Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre and Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre.