As Guyana continues to diversify its economy and attract new investment, efforts to build a pipeline of future business leaders received a boost with the graduation of 32 students from the Young Entrepreneur Smart Start (YESS) Programme.
The graduates were recognized on Saturday after successfully completing the 12-week entrepreneurship initiative, a partnership between the Ministry of Education and ActionCOACH Guyana aimed at equipping young people with practical business, leadership and financial management skills.
The programme forms part of a broader effort to invest in human capital development and foster an entrepreneurial culture among Guyanese youth, preparing them to participate in and contribute to the country’s rapidly expanding economy.
Throughout the programme, participants received training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, sales and marketing, customer service, leadership, goal setting and business planning. Students also developed business pitches and business plans, providing them with a foundation to pursue future ventures and employment opportunities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Omwattie Ramdin, underscored the importance of cultivating innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among young people as Guyana’s economic landscape continues to evolve.
Programme facilitators highlighted the significant growth demonstrated by participants over the 12 weeks, noting improvements in confidence, leadership abilities and business acumen.
Graduates Bhumika Mangal and Emma Munro shared how the programme strengthened their understanding of entrepreneurship and provided practical tools to transform ideas into potential business opportunities.
Certificates were presented to all 32 graduates in recognition of their successful completion of the programme requirements.
President of the YESS Foundation, Olga Gonçalves, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue developing their entrepreneurial capabilities, emphasizing that innovation and enterprise will play a critical role in Guyana’s future economic development.
The YESS Programme is supported by the ActionCOACH Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to developing entrepreneurial talent through practical business education and real-world learning experiences.
The programme represents a strategic investment in the country’s future workforce and private sector development.
With Guyana experiencing unprecedented economic growth and increasing investor interest, programmes such as YESS are expected to play an important role in ensuring young people are equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities and drive long-term economic development
