Entrepreneurship

ElevateAll
The Tourism and Hospitality Edition

The Centre’s ElevateAll is a business entrepreneurship programme offering an exciting opportunity for Guyanese businesses to participate in acceleration workshops and professional mentoring to grow their companies.

ElevateAll-The Tourism and Hospitality Edition

Targeting local owners, operators, and managers across the tourism and hospitality sector, ElevateAll: Tourism builds the leadership and business skills of entrepreneurs. Businesses engaged in the following activities are encouraged to apply: guided tours, hotel operators, restaurants, recreational activites, flagship event hosts, eco-lodges, etc.).

The Guyana Tourism Authority and Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana are leading partners for ElevateAll: The Tourism and Hospitality Edition and act as lead mentors, guest facilitators, and expert speakers.

Deadline for applications is February 7 , 2025.

The ElevateAll Programme

ElevateAll is designed to enable the growth of small and medium-sized businesses through tailored workshops, gap analysis, mentoring, pitch development, and fostering a strong and supportive peer-learning environment for businesses.  Predicated on successful mentorship and peer-learning models, ElevateAll matches a pool of professional mentors with participants based on their business background and focus.

ElevateAll: The Tourism & Hospitality Edition is looking for motivated entrepreneurs that recognise the value of an interactive and collaborative approach to expand their company, access new markets and increase efficiencies and innovation.

The 2025 cycle of ElevateAll- The Tourism & Hospitality Edition will run from February-May 2025.

Phase One

February 26-27

  • 25 participants
  • Weekend bootcamp (2-Day Event)
  • Group sessions and take-home activities
  • Business model canvas
  • Value proposition development

Phase Two

February-May

  • 15 select participants (from the bootcamp)
  • 10-week programme
  • 8-10 hours per week
  • 1:1 mentorship, tailored coaching and workshops
  • Weekly peer learning (Wed 9am-12pm*)
  • Supporting business courses

Graduation

May – Demo Day

  • Business Showcase
  • Network with potential buyers and partners

ElevateAll Collaborators

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) partner with ElevateAll: The Tourism & Hospitality Edition to act as industry experts, lead mentors, and guest facilitators. GTA (under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce) and THAG are dedicated to creating a collective voice for tourism and hospitality-based companies to achieve success and economic independence through business ownership and self-employment.

Who is ElevateAll looking for?

YOU

  • Embody coachability and commitment
  • Either a founder or a member of the management team of an existing SME
  • Guyanese citizen living in and based in Guyana

YOUR BUSINESS

  • Is looking to grow, access new markets or add innovative best practices
  • Is in the tourism and hospitality sector
  • Is looking to build a robust business strategy

Deadline for applications is February 7, 2025.  Application for ElevateAll: The Tourism & Hospitality Edition is open.

Note: Proficiency with video conferencing platforms (i.e. Zoom, Teams, Webex) and virtual collaboration tools (i.e. Google docs, Dropbox) is recommended.

Testimonials

of the Centre’s Entrepreneurial Programmes

 

This programme was such an eye opener for me. It helped me to see what my business can really go and the importance of building systems and a road map to get there. For an indigenous tourism business such as mine, the focus on pitch development, marketing, and mentorship was the key for me.  It helped me to come out of my shell, be more streamlined and confident in communicating my business, and boosting my confidence as an entrepreneur. Because of this programme, the Centre will always be close to my heart.

Abigail Ally
Manager
Bimichi Eco-Lodge

This programme offered not only practical strategies to business gaps I identified but also the mindset shift needed to turn my ideas into action. The mentors and facilitators provided valuable guidance, sharing their real-world experiences and helping me navigate challenges. The skills, confidence, and resources I gained have been instrumental in my growth as an entrepreneur, and I highly recommend it to anyone serious about their business success.

Dharamdai Gulchand
Owner
Touring Guyana

This exceeded all my expectations! From the start, it helped me to visualise a clear structure of my business today and roadmap for the next steps. The weekly sessions were incredibly engaging and focused on practical skills, not just theory. I learned how to refine my business model, fill gaps, identified even more gaps as I expand. The peer-to-peer learning was also invaluable, as I gained insights from others facing similar challenges. Thanks to this experience, I now have a renewed confidence in myself and my company.

Koreshma Jaigobin
Manager
Jaigobin Hotel

Participating in the Centre’s programme was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. The curriculum was comprehensive and more than I expected, covering everything from financial awareness to pitch development, which helped me build a solid foundation for my business. The mentors were always accessible and provided personalised advice, helping me overcome obstacles I never anticipated. What stood out most was the focus on understanding business best practices, but making it suitable for my business.

Cherry-Ann Greene
Owner
Ride Along GY