15 persons receive $2M each in Seed Funding to launch green businesses

…as 100 entrepreneurs graduate from ENGAGE Project

As 100 budding entrepreneurs from Regions Three and Six graduated from the ENGAGE Project, an initiative dedicated to environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship, some $2 million was awarded to 15 outstanding participants with innovative green business ideas.
These funds were awarded as part of the programme’s commitment to nurturing green entrepreneurship.
These funds were presented during the graduation ceremony to help turn their eco-friendly ventures into thriving enterprises that contribute to Guyana’s economic growth and transformation.

With sponsorship from Scotiabank and Van Oord, the project provided participants with the resources needed to take their businesses from concept to execution.
The seed funding recipients include: Donelle Harvey, Devi Patricia Sarju-Sylvester, Ingrid Cozier, Bertlyn Asadie Rodney-Hawker, Tishanie Sarjou, Sonia Exeter, Alistair Dick-Grant, Calvin Roberts, Winston Akeal Bruce, Jamal Butcher, Anisa Munisar, Shegoney Puran, Ouma Mohabir, Medina Maglenis Ornate, and Wakeel Boodhoo.
The ENGAGE Project, a transformative initiative led by Recover Guyana, aims to inspire and equip Guyana’s youths to become leaders in environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship.
In collaboration with Scotiabank and Van Oord, Recover Guyana is cultivating a new generation of changemakers passionate about the environment and committed to creating impactful, eco-friendly businesses.
Through a series of tailored workshops on financial literacy, sustainable business management, and mentorship, the project’s pilot phase empowered 100 participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to innovate and succeed in Guyana’s green economy.
Speaking at the event, President of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo expressed how the ENGAGE Project has been impactful in the lives of its participants.
“ENGAGE is more than just a project; it’s a powerful movement that bridges the gap between environmental consciousness and economic opportunity in Guyana. We are incredibly proud of our graduates, who have demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability and the drive to turn their ideas into meaningful businesses. Together, with our partners, we are helping to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Guyana,” Lalltoo said.
Echoing the impact that Lalltoo expressed was one of the participants—Devi Sarju-Sylvester, a participant from the Region 3 cohort—who expressed that within a short time frame, he was able to manage his own eco-friendly business.
“Over the past few months, the ENGAGE Project has transformed the way we view business and environmental responsibility. In less than three months, we learned how to start and manage our own businesses while making meaningful, eco-conscious decisions.”
Meanwhile, representing Scotiabank, Justin Thompson, Senior Manager, Country Management Office, stated that Scotiabank highly believes in opportunities like these for young persons to find out what they can do great for society.
Meanwhile, reflecting on the partnership, Dutch international marine contracting company Van Oord stated that as a company, their aim is to create purpose within the upcoming generations.
“At Van Oord, our purpose is to create a better world for future generations. With this in mind, we are proud to announce our commitment to a social initiative through our partnership with the NGO (non-governmental organisation) Recover Guyana. This NGO is led by young Guyanese professionals. Our goal is to empower nature and communities by creating new opportunities and possibilities for today’s world and for generations to come.”
The company added, “Through Recover Guyana, we aim to maximise our positive impact on vulnerable youths by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable employment and positive community engagement. This project fits perfectly with our values, and we are excited to see Recover’s work come to life.”
Meanwhile, some of the participants had the opportunity to chime in on their experiences as well.
Jamal Butcher, an aspiring entrepreneur from the Region Six cohort, remarked that there is power in capitalising on things like recyclable packaging.
“I’ve come to realise that simple, everyday choices—like using recyclable packaging, reusing materials, and adopting sustainable farming practices—can make a powerful difference in turning a business into a genuinely green enterprise.”
The ENGAGE Project aligns closely with Guyana’s vision for a greener future and highlights the importance of youth-led initiatives in advancing both environmental and economic progress. As these graduates step into their roles as environmental entrepreneurs and advocates, they are equipped to transform their visionary green projects into viable businesses—accelerating positive impact across communities and ecosystems.
Through the ENGAGE Project, Recover Guyana aims to train 1,000 youth nationwide, with Regions Four (Demerara -Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) slated for upcoming implementation.