THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) has launched a year-long celebration marking its 40th anniversary—a milestone that reflects four decades of empowering Guyanese entrepreneurs, fostering self-reliance, and advancing national development under the theme “A Legacy of Empowerment: 40 Years of Promoting Entrepreneurship, Transforming Lives, and Supporting National Development.”
Founded in 1985 by the late Dr Yesu Persaud, one of Guyana’s most respected business pioneers and nation-builders, IPED was born during a time when private enterprise struggled under the weight of a state-controlled economy.
Dr Persaud’s vision was clear: to reignite the entrepreneurial spirit of Guyanese and prove that ordinary citizens could shape their own economic destiny through innovation and enterprise.
What began as a modest initiative, initially known as the Institute of Small Enterprise Development (ISED), evolved into a national institution formally incorporated in 1986.
Its impact was recognised early on when then-President Hugh Desmond Hoyte declared IPED an Institution of National Worth for its vital role in rebuilding Guyana’s post-socialist economy.
Over the decades, IPED has grown from a one-person operation, with its first employee, Mr Jeff Adiken, managing all roles, to a nationwide organisation employing more than 100 professionals across 14 branches.
Today, it stands as one of Guyana’s leading development institutions, with a footprint that reaches every region.
Since inception, IPED has disbursed more than 150,000 loans, enabling thousands of Guyanese — especially women, youth, and members of underserved communities — to start or expand their businesses. Its services extend beyond financing, offering mentorship, business development training, and technical support that have spurred innovation, created jobs, and strengthened communities nationwide.
The organisation’s growth was made possible through a network of strategic partnerships — both local and international — including the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), Foundation for International Training (FIT) of Canada, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Texaco (WI) Ltd, Booker Sugar Company, Seagrams (UK), West Indian Trading (Canada), W. Breitenstein of Holland, and the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC).
Later, additional support from USAID (PL480), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) helped strengthen IPED’s institutional framework and financial sustainability.
COMMEMORATING 40 YEARS OF ENTERPRISE
As part of its anniversary celebrations, IPED has rolled out a calendar of events designed to honour its founder, celebrate innovation, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Key activities include: Celebration of the Legacy of Dr Yesu Persaud, held on October 18, 2025, at the World Trade Centre, Guyana; National Business Pitch Competition, open to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, with a submission deadline of December 15, 2025; Art Competition — “The Spirit of Enterprise”, inviting artists to creatively interpret the power of entrepreneurship (deadline: January 15, 2026); Mini Exposition, scheduled for April 2026, to showcase IPED’s clients, partners, and innovators; and Two-Day Micro Conference, also in April 2026, bringing together local and international experts to discuss the future of entrepreneurship and small business development in Guyana.
As IPED enters its fifth decade, it continues to uphold Dr Persaud’s founding principle, to help people help themselves through enterprise development.
Under the stewardship of Mr Komal Samaroo, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and guided by a team of dedicated board members, management, and staff, IPED remains committed to expanding access to finance, fostering innovation, and empowering Guyanese to achieve economic independence.
“This 40th Anniversary is not just about reflecting on our past,” the organisation stated, “but about recommitting to a future where entrepreneurship continues to drive inclusive growth and national transformation.”
Four decades on, IPED’s story stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, community partnership, and an enduring belief in the power of enterprise can achieve — a true legacy of empowerment that continues to shape Guyana’s future.