The Centre recently delivered its first cutting-edge women entrepreneurship programme, Accelerate-Her. Accelerate-Her targets local women owners, operators, and managers, building the leadership and business skills of women entrepreneurs in Guyana to help them grow their companies.

With over 90 applications received from seven regions across Guyana, through a competitive selection process, 35 entrepreneurs were shortlisted. This select group then participated in the Accelerate-Her Entrepreneurship Weekend Bootcamp held in Georgetown.

At the Bootcamp, the entrepreneurs learned to build their business model canvas through workshops, group activities and mentorship. Businesses from a variety of different industries were represented, including companies from construction, logistics, tourism, education, cosmetology, and other sectors.

Seventeen select participants joined Phase Two which featured a combination of weekly 2-hour sessions, curated business development courses, one-on-one mentoring and group networking with volunteer mentors. The programme was held both in-person and virtually. This in-depth preparation culminated in Accelerate-Her’s seminal event – Demo Day.

During Demo Day participants pitched their companies to the business community, potential buyers and partners. It showcased the hard work the women entrepreneurs dedicated during the programme to learn about themselves, assess their businesses and determine how and where for their businesses to go in a burgeoning local economy.