Demerara Bank selects 23 startups for 2025 Innovation Tank

Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has selected 23 participants for its 2025 Innovation Tank, an annual entrepreneurship programme aimed at supporting Guyanese startups and early-stage businesses.

The programme, launched in September 2025, represents a G$10 million corporate social responsibility initiative that provides non-repayable grants, mentorship and capacity-building support to entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable business ideas.

Operating under the theme “Dream. Build. Lead.”, the Innovation Tank allows participants to pitch their ideas before a live judging panel for grants of up to G$1 million each.

DBL said it received close to 200 applications from across the country, which were assessed through what it described as a thorough and transparent process. Participants were selected based on innovation potential, business viability and their contribution to sustainable development in Guyana.

The bank formally launched the next phase of the programme with a kickoff meet-and-greet event at the World Trade Center Guyana on Friday. The event brought together selected participants, DBL executives, programme partners, mentors and representatives from the local business community.

During the event, senior bank officials reaffirmed DBL’s commitment to innovation and inclusive economic growth. Participants were briefed on upcoming training sessions, mentorship arrangements and innovation challenges, and took part in networking activities with mentors from partner organisations, including the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana, and the Centre for Local Business Development.

Beyond funding, the Innovation Tank offers structured mentorship, technical guidance in business operations and marketing, and access to networks aimed at preparing participants for investment and growth, DBL said.

Demerara Bank congratulated the 23 selected entrepreneurs and encouraged unsuccessful applicants to reapply in future cycles.

Demerara Bank Limited is Guyana’s only indigenous commercial bank and has expanded its digital and customer-focused services as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion and support local economic development.