Small Business Bureau launches Youth Entrepreneurship Programme

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has launched the 2025 edition of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), reaffirming its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among young Guyanese.

The initiative, which was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, began with an awareness session, where teachers from participating schools were trained in the areas of business plan development, ensuring they can effectively guide students in crafting strong and viable proposals.

This year, 12 secondary schools across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Eight, Nine and Ten will participate in the programme, which equips students with the skills, knowledge and financial support needed to launch and sustain their own businesses.

YEP, in a statement, noted that in 2025, it will provide monetary rewards to 60 selected students, in an effort to assist them with turning their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme offers comprehensive training and mentorship in the areas of business planning, marketing strategies and financial management.

Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Shazim Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of recognising 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,” Ibrahim said.

The SBB and the ministry have noted that they remain dedicated to developing the next generation of business leaders.