MERUNDOI Incorporated successfully launched its first entrepreneurship and micro-financing training session on Tuesday at the European Union (EU) office in Georgetown.
The initiative brought together 20 participants from Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, underscoring a commitment to fostering economic empowerment in underserved communities.
This training forms part of Merundoi’s “Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups in Guyana” project, funded by the European Union.
The programme aims to equip small business owners with practical knowledge and financial support to stimulate local economic growth. The final session of the training was December 7, 2024.
The virtual sessions cover a range of key topics, including business planning and management, financial literacy, budgeting, scaling operations, marketing and branding, funding opportunities, legal considerations, and team building.
Participants benefitted from guest presentations by Jewsuan Edmonson, Senior Manager of Personal Banking – Corporate and Commercial Business at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), and a representative from the Small Business Bureau. Their insights provided a professional perspective on scaling and sustaining small businesses.
The 20 trainees were selected from a pool of 250 applicants. Their enterprises span diverse sectors, including poultry and crop farming, cosmetology, food services, lumber production, and craft creation.
FINANCIAL BOOST FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Upon completing the training, each participant received a grant of GYD 100,000 to improve their operations, enabling immediate application of the skills and strategies learned during the programme.
The initiative’s impact was highlighted during a ceremony at the EU Delegation office. His Excellency Rene van Nes, Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, addressed the gathering, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods and local economic development.
The entrepreneurship and micro-financing training exemplifies Merundoi’s dedication to empowering vulnerable groups and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By providing practical training and financial resources, the initiative not only supports economic resilience but also aligns with national and international development goals.
With the final session approaching, the programme is poised to further equip participants with the tools needed to scale their businesses and contribute to their communities’ economic growth.