Entrepreneurship

Guyana Wood-Based SME Accelerator Programme

The Guyana Wood-Based SME Accelerator Programme is an entrepreneurship programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food & Agriculture Organization with Centre for Local Business Development.

This programme targets local small and medium sized business in Guyana’s forestry sector, with the aim to build the compliance level, business and leadership skills of wood-based entrepreneurs in Guyana, and access to grant financing.

The Programme

The Guyana Wood-Based SME Accelerator Programme aims to build the capacity of entrepreneurs in Guyana within the forestry sector, enabling business growth that are linked to diverse sectors and contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Guyana.

The programme will run from January to September 2026 and involves business acceleration support including tailored training, one-on-one business advisory, mentorship, industry compliance support and a supportive environment for forestry-based entrepreneurs.

Submit your Application
Deadline for applications is December 14, 2025

The Timeline

Phase One

Seminar Sessons

  • 100+ participants
  • 1-Day with Topical Sessions in January/February
  • Group sessions and take-home activities

Phase Two

Bootcamp

  • 80 participants
  • 3-day Bootcamp (in-person) in March
  • Strategic Mapping of Business Current and Future State
  • Setting a Vision for Growth
  • Group sessions and take-home activities

Phase Three

Business Acceleration Programme

  • 40 participants
  • Spread over April – September
  • Bi-Monthly Core Classes
  • Weekly Coaching Session (in person or virtual)
  • Compliance Mentorship and Document Preparation Support

Phase Four

Matching Businesses with Financial Institutions

  • 40 participants
  • Advisory service of financial mapping and matching for businesses
  • Matchmaking event for SMEs and Financial Institutions
  • Support Grant Applications
  • All companies completing the accelerator will be eligible to apply for the matching grant

Phase Five

Grant Administration by Financial Institutions

  • 20 participants
  • Advisory service of financial mapping and matching for businesses
  • Matchmaking event for SMEs and Financial Institutions
  • Support Grant Applications

Guyana Wood-Based SME Accelerator Programme Partners

EU
Global Gateway
FAO
MNR
GFC
GMSA

Who we are looking for?

YOU

  • Either a founder or a member of the management team of an existing small or medium-sized business
  • Guyanese citizen living in and based in Guyana
  • Embody coachability and commitment

YOUR BUSINESS

  • Operates a business in the forestry supply chain
  • Currently in operations for over 1 year, and is looking to grow, expand into new markets, or add greater degree of innovation into your work.


Submit your Application
Deadline for applications is December 14, 2025
There are no fees associated with applying or participating in the Guyana Wood-Based SME Accelerator Programme. This programme is funded and made possible by the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

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