The Small Business Bureau (SBB), in partnership with the Education Ministry, has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship among young Guyanese through the launch of the 2025 edition of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP). This initiative, which continues to be an encouragement of opportunity for aspiring young business leaders, aims to cultivate a culture of innovation, self-sufficiency, and economic empowerment in the nation’s youth.
This year’s program has expanded its reach to 12 secondary schools across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Eight, Nine, and Ten. The initiative is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and financial backing necessary to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into tangible businesses. Recognizing the importance of financial support, YEP 2025 will award monetary incentives to 60 selected students, thereby enabling them to actualize their business ideas. However, the program’s value extends far beyond financial assistance—it offers comprehensive training in business planning, marketing strategies, and financial management. Such holistic support is instrumental in fostering resilience and adaptability among young entrepreneurs.
The Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Shazim Ibrahim, underscored the enduring impact of this initiative, stating: “We recognize the potential of young entrepreneurs and the importance of equipping them with the right tools. YEP 2025 goes beyond providing monetary rewards to help students launch their businesses; it fosters innovation, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset that will empower them both in the classroom and throughout their lives.”
This advanced initiative aligns with the broader national objective of youth development and economic empowerment. By instilling an entrepreneurial mindset at an early stage, YEP 2025 serves as a catalyst for long-term economic growth. Encouraging young people to think creatively, take calculated risks, and develop their own enterprises not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to the overall economic diversification of Guyana. In an era where traditional employment opportunities are evolving, fostering entrepreneurship among youth ensures that they have viable career alternatives that align with their passions and skill sets.
The SBB’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship is not new. Since the inception of the In-School Entrepreneurship Programme in 2017, the Bureau has been instrumental in providing secondary school students with the tools to explore business innovation as a career pathway. This program, which particularly targets vulnerable students from all ten administrative regions, has proven successful in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Many students who have benefited from this initiative have gone on to establish viable businesses, demonstrating that with the right support, young people can make significant contributions to the national economy.
The significance of YEP 2025 cannot be overstated. As the global economic landscape shifts, there is a growing need for individuals who can navigate challenges with creativity and strategic thinking. Programs such as YEP not only create opportunities for young people but also foster a culture of self-reliance and innovation. By investing in the entrepreneurial aspirations of students, Guyana is effectively laying the groundwork for a future generation of business leaders who will drive economic progress and job creation.
By continuously refining and expanding initiatives like YEP, policymakers and stakeholders are ensuring that young people are given the resources and encouragement necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
As YEP 2025 unfolds, it is imperative that the private sector, educational institutions, and community leaders lend their support to this initiative. Entrepreneurship is not solely about financial success; it is about problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to innovate in the face of adversity. These qualities are essential for any nation seeking sustainable economic development. With the right support and guidance, the young entrepreneurs emerging from this program have the potential to transform not only their own futures but also that of the nation as a whole.
