20 youths receive $4.5M in grants from Republic Bank

…as 30 complete entrepreneurial development programme

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Wednesday announced the successful graduation of 30 young entrepreneurs from the SSYDR Entrepreneurial Development Programme (SEDP).

This programme was implemented by Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR) Inc with the generous support of the bank’s Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) social investment initiative.
Twenty of the graduates: from Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have received startup grants totaling $4.5 million to launch or expand their business ventures. In the coming weeks, recipients will begin acquiring the necessary equipment and supplies to pursue their chosen business paths, supported by continued business coaching to ensure their success.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, held at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, Manager at the Bank’s Head office, Eon Grant, in emphasising the bank’s dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs, said “At Republic Bank, we deeply believe in the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship. As a proud sponsor of this significant initiative, we aim to positively impact lives and change fortunes for the better. Our partnership with SSYDR represents more than fulfilling our corporate social responsibility; it’s a valuable investment in Guyana’s future through you, our young entrepreneurs.”
Launched in November 2022, the SSYDR Entrepreneurship Development Programme has now served 115 youths from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The six-month initiative begins with two weeks of intensive training using the SSYDR entrepreneurship curriculum, followed by a One-Day Business Challenge and two additional weeks focused on business plan development and presentation. During the second month, participants begin purchasing equipment and setting up their operations, followed by four months of structured business coaching to help ensure the sustainability and growth of their ventures.
In her address, Executive Director of SSYDR, Magda Griffith-France, reflected on the organization’s journey. She said, “For over eight years, SSYDR has worked tirelessly to empower young people through various initiatives. Time and again, we have encountered talented, driven youths with a passion for business, but lacking the financial resources and knowledge to turn their dreams to reality. Providing this opportunity to own and grow their businesses is not just an investment in the future, it’s a step toward realizing our vision of inspired youth transforming themselves, their communities and their nation.”