Six young entrepreneurs from Region Two yesterday each received $1 million in cash from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
These grants came as a result of business proposals the entrepreneurs had submitted through the Ministry’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentorship Programme.
The entrepreneurs are: Tatya Moore, Amanda Edwards, Afifah Browne, Usham Changa, Narine Lall Ramdai, and Shiram Goorsammy.
Presenting the cash to the entrepreneurs in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Anna Regina was Personal Assistant to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hyma Joseph. In her remarks at the handing over ceremony, she informed that the ministry had recently launched the programme and had invited proposals from young people countrywide. She noted that Region Two had attracted over 30 applicants and she was happy to announce that six applicants were shortlisted and qualified. She used the opportunity to congratulate those who qualified and urged them to use the monies to expand their businesses, adding that the grant will assist in “jump-starting” their businesses.
The Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentorship programme has two phases, the first of which is the distribution of the grant and the second is the mentorship. Joseph disclosed that the Ministry had partnered with the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce to assist in the mentoring process. The Ministry will also be returning to the area to visit those who received grants.
Region Two, Joseph said, was the first region to benefit from the Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentorship programme.
Those receiving the grants had to sign a letter of commitment agreeing to participate in any of the Ministry’s activities whenever the need arises.
Amanda Edwards of Capoey, a resort owner, said that she is very happy about the grant. She said it will assist her in enhancing a beach area in the Capoey community.
Usbam Changa, owner of a document centre, said that he will be using the grant to expand his business.
Like Changa, Narine Lall Ramdai was also quite pleased. He is the owner of a furniture store at Affiance Village. He said that previously he used to do everything manually but now with the grant he would be able to purchase machinery.
