IN a significant move to bolster female entrepreneurship, the Centre for Local Business Development has launched the AccelerateHer 2024 programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering Guyanese women in business. The programme kicked off with an intensive weekend boot camp on Friday, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for a new cohort of women entrepreneurs.

The AccelerateHer programme offers a comprehensive suite of business acceleration workshops and professional mentoring opportunities, specifically tailored for women who own, operate, or manage businesses in Guyana. The initiative is designed to enhance the leadership and business skills of these women, enabling them to grow their companies across various industries and sectors.

At the heart of AccelerateHer is a commitment to fostering a strong, supportive peer-learning environment. The programme leverages successful mentorship and peer-learning models, matching participants with professional mentors based on their specific business backgrounds and goals. This personalised approach ensures that each participant receives the guidance and support needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve a more sustainable growth.

A key partner in the AccelerateHer programme is the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG). This non-profit organisation plays a pivotal role, providing lead mentors, guest facilitators, and expert speakers who bring a wealth of experience and insight to the programme. WCCIG is dedicated to creating a collective voice for women and helping them achieve economic independence through business ownership and self-employment.

Over 80 applications were received this year, with 25 talented and motivated women entrepreneurs making the final cut.

The weekend boot camp served as an intensive induction, offering participants a chance to engage in peer and mentor interactions, practise their business pitches, and develop their business model canvases.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, was among the distinguished speakers at the launch event. She expressed her enthusiasm for the programme and the opportunities it presents for women in Guyana.

“Make use of those opportunities and see them grow, mushroom into things beyond their imagination and expectation and become way more than a number or statistic in Guyana,” Dr. Persaud urged the participants.

Dr. Persaud also highlighted the significant progress made by Guyanese women in recent years, noting that Guyana’s gender index had risen by 18 places since 2022. She attributed this success to progressive government policies and the increasing availability of opportunities for women. “I am hoping that at the end of this year, we can have it so that we can see the strides women are consistently making in every sphere of our country,” she added.

Former AccelerateHer participant and current mentor, Filisha Duke, CEO of Sure Gig Inc., shared her inspiring journey with the programme. She encouraged the new cohort to focus on their goals and bring their best efforts to the table. “Focus on your goal, what is it that you want for your company, where you see yourself in the next two years, year, next five years and bring your ‘A’ game because we will be paying attention,” Duke advised.

Additional presentations were given by Rowena Elliot, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana, and Dr. Natasha Gaskin Peters, Director of the Centre for Local Business Development. Both leaders underscored the importance of the programme and its potential to drive significant advancements for women entrepreneurs in Guyana.

As the AccelerateHer 2024 programme gets underway, the Centre for Local Business Development remains committed to supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs. By providing tailored workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and fostering a collaborative learning environment, AccelerateHer is poised to make a lasting impact on the business landscape in Guyana, helping women entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality and drive economic growth across the nation.