Delon Simpson’s aquaculture pitch earns him $1M in AmCham Shark Tank competition

Local entrepreneur Delon Simpson of KUKKI Aquaculture has won $1 million to bolster an innovative solution towards sustainable aquaculture in Guyana in the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana Business Pitch Competition.
On Wednesday last, AmCham Guyana in collaboration with the US Embassy in Georgetown, hosted the final round of its Business Pitch Competition. Ten aspiring entrepreneurs took the stage at the competition’s grand finale to present their business pitch in the quest to win the prize money along with access to leadership coaching, networking opportunities, and a bevy of developmental resources.

The top ten contestants were selected through multiple stages of interviews and evaluations from over 60 applications drawn from various regions across Guyana. Their ventures represented a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and culinary.
While the competition was fierce, making it tough for the judges to narrow the field down to the top three contestants, in the end, Simpson of KUKKI Aquaculture was named the first-place winner, followed by Sean Griffith of CTXOG Designs in second place, and Jamal Farley of InfinityPower FDAP in the third spot.
The second and third finalists also received cash prizes. However, all 10 finalists will receive a one-year membership to AmCham.
This Shark Tank event provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to present their idea, product, or service to a panel of esteemed judges for investment consideration.
The panel of judges comprised five of Guyana’s most talented business executives, including Christopher Chapwanya – Chief Executive Officer of Sagacity; Clinton Urling – Owner of German’s Restaurant; Jennifer Prashad – Finance Director of C&V Caribbean Shipping Limited; Anand Beharry – Director of Edward B Beharry and Company Limited, and Brian Hall – Political and Economic Chief at the US Embassy in Georgetown.
The competition was organised with the aim of reinforcing AmCham Guyana and the US Embassy’s commitment to helping innovative youth increase their competitiveness and turn their ideas into commercial products and/or services.
Speaking at the finals, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch told all 10 finalists that they are all winners since they not only benefit from thoughtful advice from well-experienced and knowledgeable judges but also from the mentoring and networking opportunities through the competition.
“Initiatives like this event serve as a platform to raise awareness of your businesses and lay the bedrock foundations for future innovation and development. Guyana is poised for tremendous growth, and we are counting on you to implement the advice from the judges to create flourishing businesses that support Guyana’s growth. The United States prioritises business development as an essential part of supporting a country’s path to economic diversification and sustainable development,” she posited.
The US diplomat outlined that pitch competitions like the one hosted by AmCham aim to foster a culture of innovation in business and further strengthen the capacity of young entrepreneurs. It also reinforced the Embassy’s commitment to helping innovative youth increase their competitiveness and turn their ideas into commercial products and services, she noted.
“This level of support for local entrepreneurs clearly illustrates the importance of the private sector’s involvement in Guyana’s transformation. The United States supports youth, women, and minority groups to improve inclusion in the social, economic, and political spheres. We’re thrilled that the application process was open to all Guyanese, and so many people of diverse backgrounds participated in the competition…”
“As you go forward, my advice to you is to listen, learn, and act. In any new venture, it is wise to learn from the experiences of others and your judges have significant experience. You are the future of Guyana’s private sector – the engine of growth here. I encourage you to think globally and act locally,” Ambassador Lynch urged.
The event was sponsored by GTT ConneX, SOL Guyana, Qualco Guyana, Scotiabank, HR Guyana, ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc, KOJAC, Prem’s Electrical, Guyana Logistics and Support Services, Georgetown American University, and Pinnacle Business Services.