In partnership with Scotiabank and Van Oord, the ENGAGE Project implemented by local NGO Recover Guyana provided nearly 100 Guyanese youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to create environmentally sustainable businesses in the first phase of its project rollout. Officially launched in December 2024, ENGAGE piloted its training programs in Region 3 - Essequibo Islands-West Demerara and Region 6 - East Berbice Corentyne with the primary goal to promote environmentally responsible business practices that will contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of Guyana.
The transformative national initiative enacts a comprehensive learning environment where budding entrepreneurs gain access to practical, hands-on training in sustainable business practices. The pilot project is implemented in three cycles which include the development of green business plans, business management training and business expansion. In addition to intense training, youth receive mentorship and networking opportunities to support their entrepreneurial journey. At the end of the project’s first phase, nearly 100 participants were trained and the group expressed enthusiasm for implementing eco-friendly business practices and tools to launch and/or grow their businesses. Lozena Husain, a female entrepreneur from Region 6 shared “I am now discovering what a green business is about. I have a small business and I have learnt a lot and discovered that my long term vision is to have a green business.” Jamal Butcher, a participant and budding entrepreneur reflected “it was a great experience at ENGAGE. This initiative taught me a lot and the facilitators were fun and engaging. I have learnt how to incorporate sustainable environmental practices that will benefit people and the environment”
A key highlight of the ENGAGE Project is its direct financial support to emerging entrepreneurs, ensuring that promising green business ideas receive the resources they need to thrive. At the end of the program, $2,000,000 will be awarded to the most outstanding and innovative businesses developed throughout the training. This funding will empower young entrepreneurs to transform their eco-friendly business concepts into fully operational enterprises, accelerating the transition to a greener economy in Guyana.
Recognizing that financial literacy is a crucial element of business success, Scotiabank Guyana is playing a pivotal role by providing comprehensive financial and budgeting training to all participants. Through tailored workshops and expert-led sessions, candidates will gain essential knowledge in budget management, financial planning, investment strategies, and responsible credit use, equipping them with the skills necessary to effectively manage and scale their businesses. This initiative ensures that young entrepreneurs not only start sustainable businesses but also maintain long-term financial stability, reinforcing ENGAGE’s mission to create a self-sustaining, eco-conscious business ecosystem.
By focusing on green technologies, eco-friendly innovations, and sustainable business models, ENGAGE is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who will help drive Guyana toward a greener and more sustainable future. Following the successful implementation of its pilot training, the ENGAGE project is aimed at reaching youth from all regions across Guyana by the end of 2026.
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