by Samuel Gillis
In a recent development, three young business owners from Guyana have been chosen by the U.S. Embassy for the 2024 U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).
The YLAI fellowship program, which began in 2015, aims to empower emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to unleash the full economic potential of the region’s citizens.
This year’s cohort, launched in October 2023 and ongoing until April 2024, comprises 280 young leaders from 37 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
The selected trio from Guyana expressed their enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing their eagerness to acquire new skill sets, exchange ideas, and network with fellow business owners to further develop their businesses and contribute positively to Guyana’s business market and development.
Shellon Lynch from SL Printing and Stationery shared her excitement, stating, “The program provides a great opportunity to learn from many new and exciting businesses, and it feels good to be shortlisted among so many business owners.”
Brian Smith, owner of Dragonfly Drone Solutions, highlighted the challenges of running a business, emphasizing the significance of hard work.
He remarked, “Running a business is not as easy as a 9-5 job. Being selected for this program is evidence of our hard work paying off.”
Nakaida Belle-Lindie, Managing Director of H.K.B.L Construction Corporation, emphasized her intention to bring back innovative construction methods to Guyana.
Given the differences in construction practices overseas compared to Guyana, she believes her knowledge will be invaluable to Guyana’s construction sector.
All three entrepreneurs encouraged others who did not make it through this year’s selection to consider applying again for the next cohort of the YLAI program.
This initiative marks a significant opportunity for young Guyanese entrepreneurs to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and contribute to the growth and development of Guyana’s business landscape.