Entrepreneurship is a source of economic growth, which provides employment opportunities. Colleges and Universities are hotbeds of breakthrough thinking, research, and discoveries. The Guyana Innovation Prize provides pre-seed funding to commercially viable and scalable ideas in the natural sciences, agriculture, agro-processing, engineering and technology emanating from Guyana’s tertiary institutions and research centers. The Prize is awarded annually to the best breakthrough ideas.
OUR WORK
A Future of Possibilities
The Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT) offers a unique opportunity for Guyanese and non-Guyanese, in and outside of the country, to support independent projects that advance the society via economic and workforce development. By connecting with the GEDT, supporters enable the organization to reach those independent individuals and organizations working toward the advancement of Guyana.
The Guyana Innovation Prize
Workforce Development
Startup founders and teams are passionate and hardworking, typically making up for lack of experience with sheer grit. However, the rigors of running a new business can wear on even the grittiest of teams. The Founder Coach project pairs startup founders, particularly those in the tech and manufacturing goods sectors, with U.S. and Guyanese executives. Founder Coach uses tested apps and virtual meetings to help program participants build the skills to succeed.
Enterprise Development
Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) are ready to scale their operations and provide jobs. They posses a minimum viable product, interested customers, solid processes and significant potential. What they lack, however, is access to growth (versus startup) capital, an experienced professional management team, and access to a strong business network. The Executive Volunteer Corps project provides access to local and diaspora business and technical leaders for virtual and in-person consulting assignments, lasting one week to several months. This project involves next-level management support that helps accelerate small businesses that are on the cusp of growth.
