12/03/2026
Over 140 women entrepreneurs graduate from leadership and finance programmes
By LiveWire News | March 11, 2026
More than 140 women entrepreneurs graduated from three major business development programmes on Sunday, marking another significant step in expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises in Guyana.
The graduation ceremony took place during the HerVenture Summit and Expo 2026 at the National Cultural Centre, held in observance of International Womenâs Day, and brought together entrepreneurs, development partners, financial institutions and business leaders to celebrate the growing impact of women in the countryâs economy.
The event recognised graduates of the Bankability Fund for Women Mentorship Programme, the Road to Leadership (R2L) course and the Road to Finance (R2F) programme initiatives designed to strengthen womenâs leadership skills, financial literacy and business development capacity.
In total, 33 women graduated from the Bankability Fund mentorship programme, 58 from the Road to Leadership course, and 50 from the Road to Finance programme.
Trainer and business coach at ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., Upasna Mudlier, told the graduates that the programmes were designed to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to grow their businesses sustainably.
âFor many entrepreneurs, finance can feel intimidating,â Mudlier said.
âBut today you leave this programme not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to understand your numbers, manage your resources effectively and position your businesses for investment and expansion.â
The mentorship initiative, implemented by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., is supported by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and funded by IDB Lab, pairing entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to guide them in financial management, strategic planning and business growth.
Meanwhile, the Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes provide training in leadership development and financial management, helping entrepreneurs strengthen their ability to scale and sustain their businesses.
Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., Dr. Vishnu Doerga, said the summit reflects a broader movement to empower women entrepreneurs and expand their role in shaping Guyanaâs economic future.
âMarch 8 is more than a date on a calendar,â Doerga said.
âIt is a global reminder that when women move, economies move, and when women lead, communities rise.â
He added that investing in women entrepreneurs has far-reaching benefits, helping not only individual businesses but also strengthening families and communities.
Chief of Operations at IDB Lab, IvĂĄn-Alonzo Gaviria, also highlighted the importance of financial literacy programmes in addressing one of the biggest barriers faced by women entrepreneurs access to capital.
He encouraged participants to strengthen their ability to clearly present their business strategies and financial plans when seeking investment.
âWomen in Guyana are not standing on the sidelines of this transformation you are helping to shape it,â Gaviria said.
During her feature address, Attorney-at-Law Oneka Archer-Caulder of ExxonMobil Guyana stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to ensuring that Guyanaâs economic transformation benefits all segments of society.
âGuyana is experiencing historic economic transformation, but growth is only meaningful when it is inclusive,â she said.
âWhen women who drive households, communities and entire sectors have equal opportunity not only to participate, but to lead and to scale.â
The programmes are supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, expanding access to mentorship, leadership training and financial education for women entrepreneurs.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said initiatives such as the HerVenture Summit are helping women build stronger businesses while strengthening their economic independence.
She noted that entrepreneurship training, digital learning platforms and mentorship opportunities are enabling women to develop new skills and expand their enterprises.
According to the minister, many women participating in these programmes are transitioning from micro and small businesses into medium-sized enterprises, contributing to job creation and national development.
Dr. Persaud also highlighted the broader significance of International Womenâs Day, noting that women are increasingly entering new industries and playing a growing role in shaping Guyanaâs rapidly expanding economy.
Organisers said the graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter for the entrepreneurs, encouraging them to apply the knowledge and networks gained through the programmes as they continue growing their businesses.
Mudlier reminded graduates that their achievements will have impacts far beyond their individual enterprises.
âYour success will ripple far beyond your own businesses,â she said.
âIt will impact families, communities and the wider economy.â
As Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth, initiatives such as the HerVenture Summit and Expo and its associated training programmes are expected to play an important role in ensuring that women entrepreneurs are fully equipped to participate in and benefit from the countryâs development.
