Scotiabank Guyana backs “Green” growth with $2M seed capital for 20 start-ups

A whopping GY$2 million in seed funding was awarded to 20 outstanding entrepreneurs from the ENGAGE 2.0 Green Entrepreneurship Programme to support business ideas showing strong potential for innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact.
In addition, 110 young persons from Regions Two and Four successfully graduated from the programme, bringing ENGAGE’s total national impact to 273 young entrepreneurs across Guyana.
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 Three and Six and supported a further 63 participants to complete the programme, reaching a total of 163 young persons.
As part of its original vision, ENGAGE expanded into Regions Two and Four 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 Three cohort, providing mentorship, targeted feedback, and strategic guidance to support business sustainability and long-term growth.
ENGAGE 2.0 awarded GY$2 million in seed funding to 20 participants whose business concepts demonstrated exceptional promise. These were selected through evaluations of their business models, sustainability plans, and entrepreneurial readiness through in-person pitches and the submission of comprehensive business plans.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo, pointed out that the training sought to bridge a serious gap facing young people as they navigate their professional careers.
“Too often, young people have ideas but lack access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities. ENGAGE was created to bridge that gap by equipping young people with the tools, mindset, and practical skills through mentorship and financial literacy,” he said.
He further noted that ENGAGE is more than just a programme, describing it as a movement shaping Guyana’s future by equipping young people with the tools, mindset, and confidence needed to lead in environmental sustainability and green entrepreneurship.
He highlighted that, together with its partners, the initiative has now reached 273 young persons across Guyana, creating a growing ecosystem of changemakers who are transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and practical solutions that strengthen 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, Senior Manager (Finance) at Scotiabank Guyana Inc., Shellon Garner, stated that Scotiabank believes that long-term social and economic prosperity depends on empowering the next generation.
According to her, 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. 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 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.
Recover Guyana is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities and families, particularly those with children. Its mission is to create sustainable opportunities that foster resilience and empowerment through education, environmental restoration, and community engagement.