Recover Guyana and Scotiabank Guyana deepen investment in green and youth entrepreneurship

Recover Guyana, in partnership with Scotiabank Guyana, successfully hosted the ENGAGE 2.0 Green Entrepreneurship Graduation Ceremony at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, marking another significant milestone in its national youth development and sustainability efforts. The event celebrated the successful programme completion of 110 young people from Regions 2 and 4, bringing ENGAGE’s cumulative impact to 273 young entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, sustainability and community development across Guyana. In addition, GY$2 million in seed funding was awarded to 20 outstanding entrepreneurs whose business ideas demonstrated strong potential for innovation, sustainability and positive community impact.

ENGAGE 2.0 builds on the success of its pilot programme developed by Recover Guyana to equip young people with the skills, confidence and resources needed to create sustainable livelihoods while contributing to a greener and more resilient Guyana. Through training in green entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, mentorship and employability preparation, participants were empowered to transform innovative ideas into viable, green enterprises. The 2025 pilot phase graduated 100 young entrepreneurs from Regions 3 and 6 and supported a further 63 participants to complete the programme, reaching a total of 163 young people.

As part of its original vision, ENGAGE expanded into Regions 2 and 4 in 2026, further extending its national reach and impact. Participants received training in sustainability, green entrepreneurship, business planning, digital marketing and financial literacy. The programme also introduced a Business Refresher Clinic for participants from the Region 3 cohort, providing mentorship, targeted feedback and strategic guidance to support business sustainability and long-term growth.

ENGAGE 2.0 awarded GYD $2,000,000 in seed funding to 20 participants whose business concepts demonstrated exceptional promise. These were selected through an evaluation of their business models, sustainability plans and entrepreneurial readiness via an in-person pitch as well as submission of a comprehensive business plan. The 2026 awardees are Altavi Boatswain, Altheha Harlequin, Brandisha Fox, David Balkarran, Ismelie Jeune, Keen Alleyne, Maria Pestano-Belle, Mealica Agard, Shemar Beaton, Najuma Williams, Nicketa Hope-Gibson, Patrice Luckie, Savannah Belle, Shania Duncan, Shari Singh, Sherilla Persaud, Sherry Mitchell, Taryana Braithwaite, Tiea Lowe and Wonika Semple.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Dave Lalltoo, President of Recover Guyana, highlighted the programme’s growing national impact explaining “ENGAGE is more than a programme; it is a movement shaping Guyana’s future by equipping young people with the tools, mindset and confidence to lead in environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship. Together with our partners, we have now reached 273 young people across Guyana, building a growing ecosystem of changemakers who are turning innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and practical solutions that strengthen their communities and contribute to national development.”

Scotiabank Guyana played a pivotal role in strengthening participant capacity through financial literacy training and mentorship delivered by its team of volunteer professionals. These sessions focused on budgeting and cash flow management, savings and investment planning, credit and debt management, business finance fundamentals and financial decision-making, ensuring participants were better equipped to establish and sustain successful enterprises.

Reflecting on the partnership, Ms Shellon Garner, Senior Manager (Finance), Scotiabank Guyana Inc., stated “At Scotiabank, we believe that long-term social and economic prosperity depends on empowering the next generation. When young people succeed, families are strengthened, communities grow stronger, and countries become more resilient. That belief continues to drive our partnership with Recover Guyana. At Scotiabank, our commitment to initiatives like ENGAGE is guided by ScotiaRISE – our global social impact strategy focused on removing barriers to economic inclusion and creating more resilient communities. Through ScotiaRISE, we invest in programmes that expand access to education, improve employability, and strengthen financial inclusion because we believe opportunity should be accessible to all. This is not just about funding programmes, it is about unlocking potential.”

The successful completion of ENGAGE 2.0 demonstrates the value of strong partnerships in advancing youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Through the continued collaboration between Recover Guyana and Scotiabank Guyana, the programme is helping to build a new generation of entrepreneurs whose businesses and innovations will contribute to Guyana’s long-term social, environmental and economic development.