Govt. awards grants to 11 young entrepreneurs

Nov 13, 2018 News

The Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Youth, on November 9, last, awarded the eleven winners of the ‘Jaguar’s Den Competition.’ The competition was part of the Youth Business Summit which was held from May 23 – 24, 2018 at the Pegasus Hotel.
Hosting of the summit was guided by the National Youth Policy of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Policy Priority 2, Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship. During the summit, young entrepreneurs from across the ten Administrative Regions were given an opportunity to engage in discussions on starting and developing their businesses, and to garner support from the Department of Youth to execute their respective ventures.
The recipients of the grants, during the handing over ceremony, lauded the administration’s drive to develop and “sustain an environment which fosters initiatives to target youth development in various sectors.”
Among those awarded grants were Ishabeth and Michael Sinclair, who are both entrepreneurs under the age of 30, and reside in region 6.
The Sinclairs who are the founders and owners of M and I Business Enterprise did not only express appreciation for the grant that will aid in them in further developing their businesses, but also for the Leadership Training which they received through the Department of Youth.
M and I Enterprise is an agro-processing business which produces cake-mix, pepper sauce and a variety of spices which are already on the shelves of leading supermarkets.
“The company is growing – right now, we are looking to expand. We plan to add another piece of equipment to the current operation and complete the construction of the facility which houses the operation with this grant,” Ishabeth Sinclair said.
“This company is not only for us, it is for the development of our community as well. As the company grows, we will be able to employ more persons. We are currently only able to employ two persons,” Ms. Sinclair added.
Additionally, there was Jewel Collier-Swan, along with three colleagues who are currently operating at Hubu in Parika. She also discussed their venture and the benefits the grant will bring to its development.
“This business is basically a start-up; although we were all involved in some aspect of farming prior to this. The focus right now is cassava and adding-value to the product through the manufacturing process. We have started producing cassava flour under the brand “Guyana’s Own”; and we have prospects of diversifying our product line. Cassava is a product which can be converted to so many end products, and this grant will assist in the process” Ms. Collier-Swan explained.
Another recipient was Vanita Savory. She also expressed gratitude and disclosed that the grant will assist in the construction of a facility to house her venture. She said that through her project, she has hopes of introducing fresh mushrooms to the Guyanese market.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Youth was Ms. Leslyn Boyce, Assistant Director of Youth who is currently acting in the capacity of Director of Youth.
In her closing remarks, she pledged continued support to the development and empowerment of youth on behalf of the Government of Guyana, through the Department of Youth.
“This Department will continue to provide you with the skills and resources to develop yourselves as individuals and empower you to make meaningful contributions to your communities,” Boyce said.

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