Ten emerging entrepreneurs have secured $1 million each in grant funding under Demerara Bank Limited’s 2025–2026 Innovation Tank programme, an initiative aimed at supporting early-stage businesses and strengthening Guyana’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The bank recently announced the winners, bringing to a close several months of competition that attracted more than 200 applications from across Guyana.
Launched in September 2025 as part of Demerara Bank’s $10 million Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, the Innovation Tank programme was designed to help startups transform promising ideas into viable businesses.
Participants competed for non-repayable grant funding along with mentorship, technical guidance, and business development support.
According to the bank, the programme was guided by the theme “Dream. Build. Lead.” and targeted entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that could contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
Following the application stage, submissions were evaluated based on innovation, scalability, business viability, and their potential impact on Guyana’s development.
From the initial pool of more than 200 applicants, 23 entrepreneurs were shortlisted and entered the programme’s development phase, where they received mentorship, technical training, and business guidance from experienced professionals.
The training component was supported by several business organisations, including the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana (AmCham), and the Centre for Local Business Development.
The programme culminated on March 7, 2026, with a Pitch Day, during which finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of judges comprising banking and business professionals.
Entrepreneurs were assessed across several criteria, including the clarity of their business concept, innovation, market demand, revenue strategy, scalability, financial readiness, leadership capacity, social impact, and environmental sustainability.
Bank officials said the presentations reflected strong creativity and commitment among the participants.
“We were truly impressed by the level of creativity, preparation, and determination displayed by the participants,” the bank said in a statement. “The ideas presented were thoughtful, innovative and reflective of a new generation of entrepreneurs who are eager to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s development.”
After deliberations, the judging panel selected ten ventures whose concepts demonstrated strong potential for growth and impact. In addition to the $1 million grant, the winners will also receive continued mentorship and networking opportunities to support the expansion of their businesses.
The winning ventures are: Divine Preserves by Ruth Pendleton, ProElevate Sports Agency by Da Costa Aboagye, Agri Organics & Solutions by Nadeen Dejonge, Aqua Greens Guyana by Winton Camacho, Farm For Christ by Kevin Higgins, Legacy Shine Automotive by Kayteram Prasaud, Selector Andre Entertainment by Andre Sargeant, Kukki Agriculture by Delon Simpson, Auto Climate Solutions by Ann Marie Machado, and G. Reclaim, Recycle & Construction by Sherman Gonsalves.
Demerara Bank said the Innovation Tank initiative is intended to do more than simply fund startups, noting that the programme forms part of a broader effort to foster entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and create employment opportunities.
The bank also thanked the mentors, judges, and partner organisations that contributed to the programme’s success and congratulated the 23 finalists who advanced to the final stage.
Building on the strong response this year, Demerara Bank said it plans to continue expanding the Innovation Tank programme in the years ahead, with increased allocations to support even more entrepreneurs across Guyana.
